Because paleontology is a historical science, many books that are over 15 or 20 years old are still very applicable in our field. While our interpretations might change about different data, our observations do not. This book “Devonian Paleontology of New York,” by David M. Linsley, was most recently published in 1994 and highlighted the works of geologists from the 1800’s. There are a number of drawings of many of the different types of brachiopods, clams, and other types of fossils found in the Devonian of New York. It’s an excellent way to see how the same kind of fossil can vary from individual to individual (intra-species variation) that helps us to understand how evolution can happen. It is long, but full of pictures, and could very easily become the basis for a giant diorama of the Devonian or an awesome class or science fair project when coupled with your Fossil Finders data!

Download the book for free here! http://www.museumoftheearth.org/publications/pubdetails.php?pubID=5603&back=authorlast%3Dlinsley%26subject%3D%26search%3D1%26catID%3D51%26search%3D1

Each year, geologists across New York State get together to learn more about the geology of the region. Field trips on every aspect of geology, including paleontology of the very rocks we studied, are led. The participants receive a book that allows them to re-visit the sites or remember things they learned on the field trip. The most recent books are not available for free, but fieldtrip books from the 1960’s are free to the public! Check out this one, held in Syracuse in 1964! Field trip E goes right through many of the places the Fossil Finders teachers went. And not only that, but you can see how scientists go in the field, just like teachers, to learn more about topics from each other.

Download the field guide and learn how to make a field guide of your favorite scientific places as you follow paleontologists on their journey to learn about the same rocks as Fossil Finders!
http://www.nysga.net/Guidebooks.html

The following are references for scientific articles pertinent to the Finger Lakes Region and Devonian paleontology. Some of them have been highlighted and summarized in our Research News section.

Baird, G.C. 1979. Sedimentary relationships in Portland Point and associated Middle Devonian rocks in central and western NY. NYS Museum Bulletin 433:24 p.

Baird, G.C. and C.E. Brett. 1983. Regional variation and paleontology of two coral beds in the Middle Devonian Hamilton Group of western NY. JP, 57:3.

Baird, G.C. and C.E. Brett. 1986. Comparative taphonomy: a key to paleoenvironmental interpretation based on fossil preservation. Palaios, 1.