Scientists by Department: Geology The Field Museum’s collections of fossils and meteorites are world renowned, drawing researchers from around the globe to study them. The scientists in the Department of Geology, together with colleagues at local universities, form one of the nation’s largest concentrations of paleontologists—people who study fossilized plants and animals. The study of fossils can tell us how the evolution of different species has been affected by changes in their environment over time. This data can then help scientists predict how the biodiversity of species may react to ecological issues in the future. The Museum's geologists are active in education through the training of graduate and undergraduate students, the development of exhibits, and a number of special programs for the public. Areas of Study: The Field Museum hosts geologists who study fossil amphibians and reptiles, fossil fishes, fossil invertebrates, fossil mammals, and meteorites throughout the world. Select which scientist you’d like to meet first: John Flynn—Mammals of South America, Madagascar, North America Michael Fortwengler—Fossil Plants of Colorado and Utah Jennifer McElwain—Fossil Plants of Greenland, Europe, North America Surangi Punyasena—Neotropical Forest Fossil Pollen Olivier Rieppel—Fossil Amphibians and Reptiles   back to Scientist by Department >>   continue to Zoology >> Introduction | Investigate Biodiversity | YBC | Meet the Scientist | Explore Global Diversity | Events and Programs | Take Action! | Teaching Biodiversity | Biodiversity Exhibition | Credits By studying how fossil plant diversity and ecosystems responded to severe climate change in the geological past, Field Museum scientists can begin to make better predictions on how plant biodiversity and natural vegetation may respond in the future. —Jennifer McElwain, Ph.D. Assistant Curator, Paleobotany The Field Museum