A dataset of paleontological fossil specimens during the construction phase of the database in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (2021–2023)

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is very rich in the geological resources of paleontological fossils and strata, which hold significant and scientific value for research of paleontology and stratigraphy, and are irreplaceable for geological surveys and resource investigations. Through cooperation between paleontology experts and relevant departments in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the construction of the fossil specimen database in Inner Mongolia has achieved phased results. This dataset is the periodic outcome of the construction of paleontological fossil specimen database in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It documents detailed and comprehensive information of more than 637 paleontological fossil specimens housed in four institutions, namely Geological Survey and Research Institute of Inner Mongolia, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology Chinese Academy of Sciences, Inner Mongolia Museum of Natural History, and Inner Mongolia Museum. This dataset includes paleontological classification, physical information of fossil specimens, geological information, geographical information of fossil sites, and fossil specimen images. This dataset can support basic research in paleontology under new scientific paradigms and facilitate the integration of paleontology with information science. It also information and decision-making support for geological surveys, resource assessments, and geopark development in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.