Today is National Fossil Day
Make it count by learning more about us! Did you know that Duke University has the largest, most diverse collection of primate fossils in North America? More than 35,000 specimens are housed at the Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History on Broad Street in Durham, only a few minutes' walk from Duke's East Campus.
For nearly 50 years, Duke paleontologists have been working with international partners to explore the mysteries of the primate family tree. After 86 fossil-hunting field expeditions (and counting), Duke is home to giant extinct lemurs from Madagascar, lemur ancestors from Wyoming, and ape relatives from Egypt.
Researchers from all over the world use the fossils at the Duke Lemur Center Museum of Natural History. Working in the field, lab, and museum, we study how our primate ancestors survived climate-driven ecological upheaval. This work helps us understand—and prevent—the ongoing biodiversity crisis. It also helps us understand the stories of all the creatures that shaped our lineage including elephants, carnivores, and horses!
Are you interested in our work? To receive emailed updates from the DLC Museum of Natural History, opt-in and join our mailing list!
