1978 in paleontology

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            List of years in paleontology       (table)
 1968 .  1969 .  1970 .  1971  . 1972  . 1973  . 1974 
1975 1976 1977 -1978- 1979 1980 1981
 1982 .  1983 .  1984 .  1985  . 1986  . 1987  . 1988 
   In science: 1975 1976 1977 -1978- 1979 1980 1981     
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Paleontology, palaeontology or palæontology (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 faeces (coprolites), palynomorphs and chemical residues. Because mankind has 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 in the year 1978.

Contents

[edit] Dinosaurs

[edit] Newly named dinosaurs

Currently valid dinosaur genera named in 1978
Name Status Authors Images
Amtosaurus Nomen dubium.
Coloradia Valid taxon
Lesothosaurus Valid taxon Possible junior synonym of Fabrosaurus.
Micropachycephalosaurus Valid taxon
Ohmdenosaurus Valid taxon
  • Wild
Saurornitholestes Valid taxon
Yangchuanosaurus Valid taxon
Invalid dinosaur genera named in 1978
Name Status Authors Images
"Roccosaurus" Nomen nudum. Junior synonym of Melanorosaurus. van Heerden vide:
  • Anderson
  • Cruickshank

[edit] Humans

  • A paleoanthropological team led by Mary Leakey finds 3.5 million year old human footprints.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Newman, Garfield, et al (2001). Echoes from the past: world history to the 16th century. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. ISBN 0-07-088739-X.