The Geological Survey of Canada is the only organization in Canada that maintains in-house expertise in paleontology applicable to regional geoscience needs. Paleontology is used as a tool in geological mapping, basin analysis, and energy, mineral and environmental programs.

The GSC's collections and cumulative knowledge are an invaluable and inexpensive source of information that can be used to advantage before committing to further investment in exploration prospects in many areas. Enhanced collaboration among paleontological and other geoscientists can only result in a better understanding of Canada's geology and resource potential.

Paleontology for the Public Good

Fossils are not only esthetically pleasing and a source of entertainment and inspiration for layman and scientist alike, they are a major source of scientific data regarding the record of life on Earth.

• They are the only record of ancient life on earth and of the cycles of evolution and extinction. Fossils of ancient man and the animals and plants of the time provide the record for our prehistoric heritage.
  

• Fossils are an abundant component of ancient strata, and provide an enormous quantity of data crucial for understanding the sedimentary rock record and all the implications that derive from it. They provide a time scale that is entirely independent from those derived from physical or chemical techniques. Approximately half of Canada's landmass and all of the continental shelves are underlain by sedimentary rocks that are host to major mineral wealth. As components of the rock record, fossils provide a record of the thermal, compressional, and deformational events that the rocks endured.

Geological applications (a short paper describing how paleontology is used as a tool in other geological disciplines)