Proactive disclosure Print version ![Print version Print version](/web/20061103064602im_/http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_printversion2.gif) ![ÿ](/web/20061103064602im_/http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![ÿ](/web/20061103064602im_/http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![Geological Survey of Canada Geological Survey of Canada](/web/20061103064602im_/http://gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/gsc_e.jpeg) Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Geological Survey of Canada > Paleontology
Paleontology
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.
Applied invertebrate paleontology |
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)
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