Preserve and Protect: How Paleontologists Care for Their Long-Dead, High-Maintenance Stars
Fossil Collections: The Heart of Paleontology
Fossil collections are the lifeblood of paleontology, the science that studies past life. These collections house valuable dinosaur bones and other fossils that provide crucial insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
The Importance of Fossil Preservation
Properly caring for fossil collections is essential for their scientific value. Paleontologists take great care to preserve these specimens, ensuring that they remain intact and accessible for research.
Challenges of Museum Collections
Maintaining museum collections poses several challenges. The sheer size of some collections, such as the National Museum of Natural History’s 147 million specimens, requires meticulous organization and documentation. Additionally, different specimens have unique preservation needs, from delicate lizard jaws to massive mammoth bones.
Research and Discovery
Fossil collections are not mere displays; they are active research hubs. Paleontologists regularly examine, measure, and scan fossils to unlock their secrets. New discoveries are constantly being made, including the identification of new species and the filling in of gaps in our understanding of evolution.
Digitization and Accessibility
In the 21st century, museums are increasingly digitizing their collections. This makes specimens accessible to researchers and the public worldwide, facilitating education and engagement. However, digitization relies on the careful preservation of original specimens, which remain the foundation of museum collections.
The True Heart of Museums
While many visitors may view museums primarily as exhibit spaces, the true heart of any museum lies in its collections. These collections provide the original evidence for past life, enabling scientists to ask and answer questions about the future of life on our planet.
Case Studies: Sue the T-Rex and the “Swat Team” Project
-
Sue the T-Rex: The Field Museum’s famed Tyrannosaurus rex, Sue, is a testament to the importance of proper fossil care. Sue’s skeleton is meticulously mounted in a way that allows individual bones to be removed for research, such as the recent CT scanning of her right arm.
-
“Swat Team” Project: The Field Museum’s “Swat Team” project demonstrates the ongoing efforts to process and identify mystery fossils in museum collections. This project has resulted in the cataloging of thousands of new fossils, expanding our knowledge of extinct species.
The Future of Fossil Collections
Paleontologists and museum professionals are constantly working to ensure that fossil collections remain accessible and well-preserved for future generations. By embracing digitization and other innovative approaches, they are safeguarding the vital role of these collections in advancing our understanding of the past and informing our future.
Conclusion
Fossil collections are not just dusty relics; they are living libraries that hold the keys to our understanding of life’s evolution. By preserving, studying, and digitizing these collections, paleontologists and museum professionals are ensuring that they continue to inspire and inform us for years to come.