MS or PhD?

I’m planning on applying this fall for a paleobiology/paleoecology program. I will graduate with plenty of field and lab experience and good grades. I was wondering if I applied to a university for their PhD program and they don’t accept me (limited openings and more qualified applicants) would they automatically consider me for their MS program?

Some schools: yes.
Some schools: no.
Contact individual schools of interest for definite answers.