1916 in paleontology

Paleontology or palaeontology (from Greek: paleo, "ancient"; ontos, "being"; and logos, "knowledge") is the study of prehistoric life forms on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.^[1] This includes the study of body fossils, tracks (ichnites), burrows, cast-off parts, fossilised feces (coprolites), palynomorphs and chemical residues. Because humans have encountered fossils for millennia, paleontology has a long history both before and after becoming formalized as a science. This article records significant discoveries and events related to paleontology that occurred or were published in the year 1916.

Expeditions, field work, and fossil discoveries

• May: Charles H. Sternberg resigned from the Geological Survey of Canada because the Survey decided to end its field work in Alberta and Sternberg wished to continue collecting fossils in the area. This effectively dissolved the Sternberg family team because Charles H. Sternberg's sons Charles M. and George Fryer both remained with the Survey. Unlike his brothers, Levi Sternberg also quit the Survey and joined their father in collecting fossils from the Steveville area in what is now Dinosaur Provincial Park. Their work was performed for little pay under a contract with the British Museum of Natural History. Together they excavated several dinosaur skeletons, which were to be sent to the Museum in two shipments.

Scientific advances

Vertebrate paleozoology

Data courtesy of George Olshevsky's dinosaur genera list.^[2]

Prehistoric dinosaurs described in 1916
Name Status Authors Notes Images "Doryphorosaurus"[3] Junior synonym. Franz Nopcsa Junior synonym of Kentrosaurus. Struthiomimus "Gigantoscelus"[4] Junior synonym. van Hoepen Junior synonym of Euskelosaurus. "Kentrurosaurus"[5] Hennig Junior objective synonym of Kentrosaurus. Prosaurolophus[6] Valid taxon Barnum Brown Struthiomimus[7] Valid taxon Henry Fairfield Osborn

People

Awards and recognition

References