Close up image of an ammonite fossil shell.

Extinctions

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A rendering of an underwater marine scene from the Cambrian Period, featuring an arthropod, annelids, and other animals.

A Collection of Cambrian Fossils

The ocean during the Cambrian Period was filled with strange and alien creatures. Learn how scientists turn to fossils to recreate ancient seas.

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Featured Content

A photo of a swimming Protanguilla palau, the newly discovered genus and species of eel

Scientists Call New Eel Species A Living Fossil

Although in reality an ichthyosaur and plesiosaur would have likely never battled, this widely shared lithograph by artist, geologist and paleontologist Henry De la Beche even inspired author Jules Verne to pen a similar scene in his book, Journey to the C

Unearthing History: Mary Anning's Hunt for Prehistoric Ocean Giants

An illustration of a recently discovered species of Monodontid, Bohaskaia monodontoides, and its beluga and narwhale relatives

Smithsonian Scientists Describe a 'New' Fossil Whale

Mistaken Point New Foundland

Ediacaran Fossils: One Species at a Time

Blue whale skull being installed at National Museum of Natural History.

When Did Today’s Whales Get So Big?

Are You An Educator?

At Smithsonian Ocean, we have lesson plans, activities, and resources to help you engage your students in the wonders of our oceans.

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Extinctions Articles

Two men each hold a ceramic vessel at the archaeological excavation

Archaeologists Study Early Whaling Community in Quebec, Canada

A close-up image of a fossil shark jaw with teeth.

Shark Teeth Tell Great White Shark Evolution Story

Blue whale skull being installed at National Museum of Natural History.

When Did Today’s Whales Get So Big?

Smithsonian Scientists Dig a Trench Around a squalodontid Skull

Expedition to Excavate a Fossil Whale

Smithsonian scientists race the tide the excavate an ancient whale fossil entombed in rock

Fossil Whale Found, Excavated, Jacketed, and Returned to STRI!

Offshore Peru, during the Eocene (~56-34 million years ago), showing two archaeocetes (ancient whales): Ocucajea picklingi and Supayacetus muizon.

New Archaeocetes from Peru Are the Oldest Fossil Whales from South America

An illustration of a recently discovered species of Monodontid, Bohaskaia monodontoides, and its beluga and narwhale relatives

Smithsonian Scientists Describe a 'New' Fossil Whale

Nick Pyenson points to a skull and skeleton of a fossil whale.

Excavating a "toothed" baleen whale from Vancouver Island

A researcher holds an arm bone from a "toothed" mysticete whale from Vancouver Island.

Dispatches from the Field: Treacherous stream crossings and a new fossil find

Gabor Szathmary secures one of the plaster jackets containing a fossil "toothed" mysticete that was excavated on Vancouver Island.

Whale fossils on the mainland, and into a CT scanner

Fossil Whale Digsite at Cerro Ballena, Chile

The Whale Graveyard Whodunit

Although in reality an ichthyosaur and plesiosaur would have likely never battled, this widely shared lithograph by artist, geologist and paleontologist Henry De la Beche even inspired author Jules Verne to pen a similar scene in his book, Journey to the C

Unearthing History: Mary Anning's Hunt for Prehistoric Ocean Giants

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