The Fossil Lithistida Collection at the Natural History Museum, London (UK)

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Marine Biology
• Geology

Background:

• The Natural History Museum, London houses a significant Fossil Lithistida Collection.
• This collection spans from the Cambrian to the Cenozoic eras, with a focus on Cretaceous period specimens from England.
• It originated with William Smith's 1816-1818 fossil sponge discoveries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a quantitative and detailed description of the Fossil Lithistida Collection.
• To highlight the collection's importance for studying lithistid sponges and biosilicification.
• To facilitate research into the geological history of the oceanic silica cycle.

Main Methods:

• Cataloging and describing specimens within the Fossil Lithistida Collection.
• Compiling a comprehensive dataset of taxonomic, geographic, and stratigraphic information.
• Making the collection data accessible via the NHM Data Portal and supplementary materials.

Main Results:

• A detailed inventory of the Fossil Lithistida Collection, including specimens from various geological periods and locations.
• The creation of a publicly available dataset containing extensive information on each specimen.
• Identification of the collection's key role in understanding lithistid evolution and paleoecology.

Conclusions:

• The Fossil Lithistida Collection is a vital resource for paleontological research.
• Studying this collection aids in understanding sponge evolution and the global silica cycle.
• The accessibility of the collection's data promotes further scientific inquiry.