1824 in paleontology

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 feces (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 1824.

Dinosaurs

• William Buckland realizes that fossils he previously believed to be of cetacean origin were actually Iguanodon fossils. This mistake cost him the chance to describe the genus himself.^[2]

Newly named dinosaurs

Data courtesy of George Olshevsky's dinosaur genera list^[3] and Dr. Jeremy Montague's dinosaur genus database.^[4]

Name Status Authors Notes "Iguanosaurus" Nomen nudum Anonymous Later named Iguanodon. Megalosaurus[5] Valid Buckland The Reverend William Buckland gives a presentation to the Geological Society describing the first scientifically named dinosaur, Megalosaurus on February 20. Later that year its formal scientific description is published in writing.[6]		Megalosaurus.

Plesiosaurs

New taxa

Name Status Authors Notes Plesiosaurus Valid William Daniel Conybeare		Plesiosaurus.

References