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. This includes the study of body fossils, tracks (ichnites), burrows, cast-off parts, 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 1854.
^Leidy, J. 1854. Remarks on Bathygnathus
borealis (Article XVI). Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci.
Philadelphia (2nd Series) Volume VIII, part 4: pp.
449-451;
^ abcdOwen, R. 1854. Descriptive catalogue of the
fossil organic remains of reptilia contained in the
Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of
England. British Museum (Natural History),
London: 184 pages.
