Paleontology or palaeontology 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 1858.

List of years in paleontology (table)
In science
1855
1856
1857
1858
1859
1860
1861
+...

Mammals edit

Name Status Authors Age Location Notes Images

Canis dirus

Valid taxon

Joseph Leidy

Pleistocene

Commonly known as Dire Wolf.
 
Canis dirus

Zygomaturus

Valid taxon

Richard Owen

Pleistocene

A Rhino-like Marsupial.
 
Zygomaturus

References edit

  1. ^ Gini-Newman, Garfield; Graham, Elizabeth (2001). Echoes from the past: world history to the 16th century. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. ISBN 9780070887398. OCLC 46769716.