On this page, you will be able to explore virtually some of the fossils of the GRI collections, showcased in the Library of the GRI Building.

Lazarus Taxa

The 3D models of the next 4 paleontological specimens all belong to a distinctive group of fossils known as “Lazarus taxa." Learn more about Lazarus taxa and the individual fossils in this virtual collection by watching the 2-minutes videos provided with the models.

Introductory video

 

Lazarus taxa: Coelacanth

 

Lazarus taxa: Monoplacophora

 

Lazarus taxa: Wollemi Pine

 

Lazarus taxa: Dawn Redwood

 

Trilobites

The following 3D models are of specimens of trilobites, a group of extinct arthropods found only in Paleozoic strata. Trilobites are perhaps the most iconic fossil of the Cambrian System. Learn more about their significance and complexity, from the GRI-produced documentary The Tale of a Trilobite and from the article by Dr. A. Chadwick The Trilobite: Enigma of Complexity.

Santana Formation Fish

This specimen, from the Cretaceous Santana Fm. of NE Brazil, shows a very uncommon type of fossilization in which the fossil is preserved in three dimensions. Also, fossilization must have taken place quite rapidly because of the limited evidence for decay and disarticulation of the fish. Learn more about the process of fossilization in this article by Dr. R. Esperante: How Long Do Fossils Take to Form?

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs are certainly one of the most iconic type of fossil, inspiring curiosity and passion for the geologic record in kids to adults alike. Dinosaur fossil material includes not only skeletal remains, but also eggs, footprints, and coprolites. Below is a 3D model of a cluster of dinosaur eggs from the GRI paleontological collections. Learn more about dinosaurs and how they fit within a biblical perspective from these two articles by Dr. Raul Esperante: The Existence and Extinction of the Dinosaurs and Dinosaurs and the Bible.