Micropaleontological collections at the Museum of Earth and Life, University of Contestado, Mafra, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

The Micropaleontology Collection of the Museum of Earth and Life—MTV, affiliated with the University of Contestado (UnC), constitutes an important scientific and historical repository dedicated to the micropaleontological record of southern Brazil, with an emphasis on microfossils from the Permian and Triassic formations of the Paraná Basin. Composed mainly of foraminifera, ostracods, and microvertebrate remains (conodonts, fish teeth, and scales), the collection has grown significantly in recent decades through the incorporation derived mainly from field collection in the main excavation area, of materials from academic research, private donations, and institutional exchanges. This article provides a synthesis of the collection’s origin, structure, curation, and scientific relevance, as well as its research and outreach potential within the context of Brazilian paleontology.