{"id":22229,"date":"2026-03-09T16:53:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T15:53:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.geowiss.uni-mainz.de\/institut-fuer-geowissenschaften\/palaeontologie\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T19:23:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T17:23:17","slug":"palaeontologie","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.geowiss.uni-mainz.de\/en\/institut-fuer-geowissenschaften\/palaeontologie\/","title":{"rendered":"Paleontology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n<\/jgu-base-anchornavigation>\n \n<\/jgu-base-teaserbox><\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n
\n
\n

Biogene Hartgewebe mit j\u00e4hrlichen und t\u00e4glichen Wachstumsinkrementen, insbesondere Schalen von Muscheln und Schnecken sowie Z\u00e4hne von Wirbeltieren werden mit r\u00e4umlich und zeitlich hochaufgel\u00f6sten stabilen Isotopen- und elementchemischen Daten von der AG Pal\u00e4ontologie\/Sclerochronologie untersucht.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-image><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Paleontology reconstructs the development of life on Earth. It investigates the causes of evolution, the strategies organisms use to survive in an environment that is constantly changing, to colonize new habitats, and to produce viable offspring. Former ecosystems, the distribution of land and sea and the position of the continents, as well as past weather and climate dynamics, can be reconstructed on the basis of fossils\u2014the remains of former organisms\u2014and the sediment in which they are embedded. <\/p>\n\n

Paleontology provides the language needed to decipher the book of life. Paleontology links biology with the dimension of time. Understanding how communities change over time in response to natural climate and environmental change helps us to estimate and evaluate the consequences of current global climate change. No other discipline can do this! <\/p>\n\n

Following its reorganization in September 2006, Paleontology in Mainz has focused on modern, analytical, and applied aspects of Paleontology. Paleontology in Mainz operates at the interface of archaeology, anthropology, paleoclimate research (including numerical modeling), Sedimentology, and geochemistry. The focus is on the environmental and climate history of the Quaternary, i.e., the past 2.6 million years. In addition, members of the working group also address much earlier periods of Earth history, e.g., the Paleogene and Neogene, the Cretaceous, the Jurassic, and the Devonian, as well as mass extinction events in Earth history. <\/p>\n\n

Close cooperation in research and teaching with neighboring disciplines ensures comprehensive, diverse, and interdisciplinary course offerings. Practical work in the laboratory and in the field forms an essential foundation of training. This includes not only teaching anatomical and skeletal-morphological knowledge, but also experience with modern analytical procedures for determining the isotopic and elemental-chemical composition of soft tissue and hard parts. <\/p>\n\n

Students who wish to specialize in Paleontology are provided in Mainz with broad knowledge that prepares them for a wide range of professions\u2014whether in petroleum exploration, in museum careers (collection curation) or state agencies, in paleoclimate research, environment protection and retrospective environmental monitoring, or in materials science. Not least, paleontological training in Mainz also prepares students for an academic career. The professional qualifications available are the B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Geosciences. A specialization in Paleontology is possible in both the bachelor’s and master’s degree program. Interested individuals may also obtain a doctorate (from\u2026 [XY University] with a dissertation on \u2026) in the subject of Paleontology. <\/p>\n\n

<\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\n<\/jgu-base-imagegallery>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n<\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n

SEACHANGE – Quantifying the impact of major cultural transitions on marine ecosystem functioning and biodiversity (ERC Synergy; Co-PIs: James Scourse [U Exeter; cPI], Kristine Bohmann [U Copenhagen], Callum Roberts [U Exeter], 2020-2027)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n \n<\/jgu-base-image><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Chemical and mineralogical changes of calcareous shell material during fossilisation processes \u2013 an experimental ap<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Shells of freshwater mussels \u2013 Hydrological archive of streamflow generation processes (DFG, 2026-2028<\/strong>)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n \n<\/jgu-base-image><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

A multi-archive approach to high-resolution paleoclimatic reconstructions in the Red Sea (MPGC, 2024-2027)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Collaboration partner in the Emmy Noether project “SEAFRONT – The Climatic impacts on the Neolithic Dispersal in the Mediterranean” (PI Niklas Hausmann, DFG, 2020-2027)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n \n<\/jgu-base-image><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Collaboration partner in the research project “Shell material from Ginnerup” (PI Niels N\u00f8rkj\u00e6r Johannsen, Velux Foundation, 2025-2026)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Collaboration partner in the research project “BivalveSPEECH – Bivalve Sclerochronology – lessons from Past Ecology and Environments for the future Coastal ecosystem Health” (PI Melita Peharda Uljevi\u0107, HRZZ, 2025-2027)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n \n<\/jgu-base-image><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/jgu-base-section>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-buttonitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-button><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-buttonitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-button><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n \n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-contactcard><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-contactcard><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-listitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-contactcard><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-idm-person>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/jgu-base-section>\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n \n<\/jgu-base-image><\/div>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n\n\n

Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n

CF-IRMS stands for Continuous Flow Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. It is an analytical method from isotope geochemistry and analytical chemistry that is used to determine the ratio of stable isotopes of an element in a sample with very high precision, for example carbon (13<\/sup>C\/12<\/sup>C), nitrogen (15<\/sup>N\/14<\/sup>N), or oxygen (18<\/sup>O\/16<\/sup>O). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact persons: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

In combination with the GasBench, the GC-IRMS can be used to determine stable isotope ratios of oxygen and carbon in carbonates and waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact persons: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

TC-EA stands for Thermal Combustion Elemental Analyzer. At high temperatures of 1450\u00b0C in a Glassy carbon-<\/em> reactor, it can reduce various oxygen-bearing substances such as phosphates, waters, or cellulose to carbon monoxide, whose oxygen isotope composition is then measured in a CF-IRMS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact persons: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a><\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

EA stands for Elemental Analyzer. Using this instrument, organic substances weighed into tin capsules (e.g., leaves, hair, collagen, cellulose, or biominerals) are oxidized at 1050\u00b0C in a cobalt oxide-containing reactor with the addition of oxygen. A downstream reactor with elemental copper removes excess oxygen and reduces nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas. Using an attached CF-IRMS, the isotope ratios of stable isotopes of carbon (13<\/sup>C\/12<\/sup>C) in CO2<\/sub> or nitrogen (15<\/sup>N\/14<\/sup>N) in N2<\/sub> can thus be determined with an accuracy of a few tenths of a per mil. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact persons: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Michael Maus<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

ICP-OES is an analytical method for determining the elemental-chemical composition of a sample. In an Ar plasma, the atoms of the elements are excited and emit characteristic light radiation. This emitted radiation is separated by wavelength and measured in an optical emission spectrometer. Since each element has a characteristic emission spectrum (Fraunhofer lines), the elements present can be identified and their concentrations determined. ICP-OES is frequently used in environmental analysis, materials science, geochemistry, and food analysis to determine metals and trace elements quickly and simultaneously in a single sample. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact persons: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a>, Prof. Dr. Thomas T\u00fctken<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

LC-MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) is a powerful analytical method for investigating and determining organic compounds in complex samples. First, the components of the sample are separated from one another by a liquid chromatograph (LC). The eluting compounds then enter an electrospray ionization source, where a fine, electrically charged spray <\/em>is generated from the liquid phase. As the solvent evaporates, charged molecular ions are formed and then transferred to the mass spectrometer. There, the ions are separated and detected according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m\/z). Due to the gentle ionization, this technique is particularly suitable for polar and thermally sensitive molecules. It is therefore frequently used in areas such as pharmaceutical and environmental analysis, food analysis, and biochemical and metabolomic research, especially for the rapid and straightforward determination of dissolved substances such as proteins, nucleic acids, dyes, or metal ions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact person: Prof. Dr. B. Sch\u00f6ne<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-image>\n\n<\/jgu-base-tabsitem>\n\n\n \n\n

The 3rd-generation Phenom PRO offers powerful imaging capabilities in a compact desktop format. It is optimized for users who require precise results with maximum throughput. The ProSuite platform extends the Phenom PRO with specialized analysis tools to extract quantitative data directly from SEM images. In addition, the Leica EM ACE200<\/strong> sample coater enables fully automated sputter coating with platinum (Pt) and gold\/palladium (Au\/Pd) for optimal conductivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n