Fossil Record
Scope & Guideline
Connecting Researchers to the Rich Tapestry of Life's History
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Paleontological Diversity:
The journal emphasizes the documentation and analysis of fossil diversity across different geological periods and taxa, providing insights into evolutionary patterns and biodiversity through time. - Morphological Studies:
Research focusing on the morphology of fossilized organisms, including anatomical descriptions, functional morphology, and the implications of morphological traits for understanding evolutionary relationships. - Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions:
Studies that reconstruct ancient environments based on fossil evidence, contributing to our understanding of past ecosystems and climatic conditions. - Taxonomic Revisions and New Species Descriptions:
The journal frequently publishes taxonomic revisions and descriptions of new species, which are crucial for advancing knowledge in systematic paleontology. - Technological Advances in Fossil Analysis:
The incorporation of new methodologies and technologies, such as micro-CT scanning and isotopic analysis, to enhance the understanding of fossils and their contexts. - Paleoecology and Evolutionary Dynamics:
Research addressing the ecological interactions among ancient organisms and their evolutionary dynamics, including the impact of environmental change on species survival and diversification.
Trending and Emerging
- Digital and Computational Paleontology:
There is a notable increase in studies utilizing digital technologies, such as 3D modeling and virtual reconstructions, which enhance the analysis and interpretation of fossil specimens. - Climate Change and Paleoclimatology:
Research linking fossil evidence to past climate changes has gained traction, reflecting a growing interest in understanding how ancient organisms responded to environmental shifts. - Ecosystem Dynamics and Interactions:
Emerging studies are focusing on the interactions within ancient ecosystems, including predator-prey dynamics and symbiotic relationships, which offer insights into ecological resilience and evolution. - Microfossil Studies:
An increase in research involving microfossils, such as foraminifera and palynology, suggests a trend towards understanding smaller-scale ecological changes and their implications for larger biotic patterns. - Fossilized Behavior and Ontogeny:
There is a rising interest in exploring behaviors of ancient organisms and their developmental patterns, contributing to a deeper understanding of life history strategies in the fossil record.
Declining or Waning
- Paleoanthropology:
Research specifically focused on human evolution and fossil hominins has become less common, possibly due to the shift toward more diverse topics within vertebrate paleontology. - Taphonomy:
Although still relevant, studies explicitly centered on taphonomic processes and fossil preservation may be appearing less frequently, as the journal's focus has broadened to include more diverse fossil groups. - Paleobiogeography:
While discussions of biogeographic patterns remain important, the frequency of dedicated studies in this area appears to be decreasing, potentially as the journal emphasizes broader ecological and evolutionary themes. - Invertebrate Paleontology:
Research focusing exclusively on invertebrate fossils may be declining, as the journal has increasingly featured studies on vertebrates and more complex organisms.
Similar Journals
LETHAIA
Shaping the Future of Earth's Biological NarrativesLETHAIA, an esteemed journal published by Scandinavian University Press - Universitetsforlaget AS, serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of innovative research in the fields of paleontology as well as ecology, evolution, behavior, and systematics. Established in 1968 and continuing its impactful journey until 2024, LETHAIA has consistently contributed to advancing scientific understanding of Earth's biological and geological history. With a 2023 impact factor placing it in the Q2 category for both Paleontology and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, the journal is recognized for its high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that engage and challenge the academic community. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find LETHAIA to be an indispensable resource for the latest findings, methodologies, and theoretical advancements in these interlinked disciplines.
Papers in Palaeontology
Diving into the Diversity of Life Through TimePapers in Palaeontology, published by WILEY, is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of paleontology. With an admirable impact factor and positioned within the Q1 category in Paleontology for 2023, this journal has established itself as a leading platform for innovative research and discussion, ranking 17th out of 113 in Scopus’s Earth and Planetary Sciences category. Since its inception in 2015, Papers in Palaeontology has aimed to publish high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that explore the diversity of ancient life forms and their evolutionary history. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will find valuable insights and rigorous analyses that contribute to the understanding of our planet’s past. Although Open Access options are not available, the journal provides a wealth of knowledge essential for anyone engaged in the study or practice of paleontology, solidifying its importance in shaping future academic discourse.
PALEONTOLOGICAL JOURNAL
Illuminating the Story of Life on Earth.The PALEONTOLOGICAL JOURNAL, published by PLEIADES PUBLISHING INC, is a premier platform for the dissemination of research in the field of paleontology. With an ISSN of 0031-0301 and E-ISSN 1555-6174, this journal serves the academic community by providing insights into fossil studies, evolutionary biology, and the historical narrative of life on Earth. Despite being categorized in the Q3 quartile for 2023 and currently holding a Scopus rank of #84 out of 113 in the Earth and Planetary Sciences- Paleontology category, it remains a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners. The journal's coverage spans from 1990 to 2024, offering a comprehensive historical perspective while also addressing contemporary issues in paleological research. Scholars and students alike benefit from its rigorous peer-reviewed articles and the opportunity to access vital knowledge in the ever-evolving field of paleontology.
COMPTES RENDUS PALEVOL
Exploring the Depths of Biological HistoryCOMPTES RENDUS PALEVOL, published by ACAD SCIENCES in France, stands as a pivotal journal in the field of paleontology. With an ISSN of 1631-0683 and an E-ISSN of 1777-571X, this esteemed publication provides a platform for innovative research and scholarly discourse, contributing significantly to the understanding of Earth's biological history. Having achieved a commendable Q2 rank in the 2023 Paleontology category and positioned at Rank #63 out of 113 in the Scopus Earth and Planetary Sciences segment, it underscores its relevance and influence in the scientific community. The journal's converged years from 2002 to 2024 reflect a commitment to ongoing research and knowledge dissemination. Although currently lacking open access options, the journal's rigorous peer-review process ensures the integrity and quality of published articles, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students striving to explore and expand their expertise in paleontological sciences.
Stratigraphy
Illuminating the Intersections of Time and StratigraphyStratigraphy is a distinguished journal dedicated to advancing the field of paleontology and stratigraphic research. Published by MICRO PRESS in the United States, this journal is accessible via its ISSN 1547-139X and E-ISSN 2331-656X, providing an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With a robust focus on the intricate relationships between geological time and the fossil record, Stratigraphy aims to disseminate high-quality research that enhances our understanding of Earth’s history. Its ranking within the 2023 Q2 category of paleontology reflects its commitment to scholarly excellence, as noted by a Scopus ranking of #65 out of 113 in the Earth and Planetary Sciences domain, placing it in the 42nd percentile. Although not open access, the journal's valuable contributions from 1988 to 2024 encourage a collaborative dialogue among the scientific community, underscoring the significance of stratigraphic studies in environmental and evolutionary research.
PALEOBIOLOGY
Charting the Course of Paleontological DiscoveriesPALEOBIOLOGY, published by Cambridge University Press, is a premier, peer-reviewed journal that stands at the forefront of research in paleontological sciences. With a robust commitment to advancing the study of the interactions between ancient life forms and their environments, the journal has established itself as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students in the fields of paleontology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Spanning from 1975 to 2024, it boasts an impressive Q1 ranking in several categories, including Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Ecology, and Paleontology, indicative of its high impact and relevance in shaping contemporary scientific discourse. While the journal is not open access, it offers a variety of subscription and access options, ensuring broad distribution and visibility of published research. As a leader in its discipline, PALEOBIOLOGY aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of our planet's biological history, making it an essential publication for anyone interested in the dynamics of life across geological time.
PALAEONTOLOGIA ELECTRONICA
Innovating Paleontological Insights for a Sustainable FuturePALAEONTOLOGIA ELECTRONICA is a distinguished open-access journal published by COQUINA PRESS, offering a vital platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research in the fields of Paleontology and Oceanography. Launched in 1998, this journal has continuously fostered scholarly communication, allowing unrestricted access to scientific findings and contributing significantly to the advancement of the field. With an impressive track record since its inception, PALAEONTOLOGIA ELECTRONICA holds a 2023 Scopus ranking of #39 out of 113 in the Paleontology category, demonstrating its value among academic resources as evidenced by its Q2 quartile ranking. The journal is based in the United States, and it encourages submissions that span a diverse range of topics, from fossil analysis to evolutionary biology. As a prominent resource for researchers, educators, and students alike, it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of paleontological study.
ALCHERINGA
Charting New Territories in Systematics and PaleontologyALCHERINGA, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a distinguished academic journal that has been at the forefront of research in the fields of ecology, evolution, behavior, systematics, and paleontology since its inception in 1975. With an ISSN of 0311-5518 and E-ISSN 1752-0754, this journal serves as a critical platform for the dissemination of high-quality research, contributing significantly to the understanding of biological and geological sciences. Ranking in the Q3 quartile for both Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, as well as Paleontology, ALCHERINGA is well-positioned within the academic community, attracting submissions from researchers across the globe. The journal's Scopus ranks further highlight its relevance, particularly its position in the 51st percentile for Ecology and the 50th percentile for Paleontology. Although it does not operate under an open access model, ALCHERINGA remains committed to providing valuable insights and fostering discussions that are essential for the advancement of these vital scientific disciplines. Researchers, professionals, and students are encouraged to explore the profound implications of the studies published within, making it an indispensable resource for anyone aiming to deepen their expertise in these fields.
GEOBIOS
Exploring Earth's Past and BeyondGEOBIOS is a prominent academic journal published by Elsevier France-Editions Scientifiques Medicales Elsevier, specializing in the fields of Paleontology, Space and Planetary Science, and Stratigraphy. With a rich publication history dating back to 1966, the journal aims to foster scholarly communication and dissemination of significant research findings among professionals and researchers in earth sciences. Recognized for its impact within the scientific community, GEOBIOS holds a respectable Q2 ranking in several categories, positioning it within the top tiers of scientific journals. Despite its traditional publication format, the journal provides a platform for groundbreaking studies that influence our understanding of both the geological past and future planetary developments. The journal's consistent ranking, including Rank #36 in Paleontology and Rank #59 in Space and Planetary Science, underscores its relevance and significance in its field. GEOBIOS serves as an essential resource for those engaged in the exploration of earth's history and its extraterrestrial counterparts, making it invaluable to researchers, students, and professionals alike.
ANNALES DE PALEONTOLOGIE
Pioneering Studies in Earth and Planetary SciencesANNALES DE PALEONTOLOGIE is a distinguished academic journal published by MASSON EDITEUR that plays a pivotal role in the field of paleontology. With an ISSN of 0753-3969 and an E-ISSN of 1778-3666, this journal has been a vital resource since its inception in 1988, continuously contributing to the advancement of knowledge in Earth and Planetary Sciences, particularly focusing on paleontological research. Currently ranked #68 out of 113 in its category by Scopus, and celebrated for its Q2 quartile standing, ANNALES DE PALEONTOLOGIE publishes innovative studies, reviews, and discussions that appeal to a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students. The journal aims to foster a deeper understanding of paleontological phenomena and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration within the scientific community. Although it is not an open access journal, its commitment to scholarly excellence ensures that the content is highly regarded and widely referenced in academic circles. Situated in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France, it continues to maintain a global readership while promoting significant advancements in paleontological research.