Articles for category: Fossils & Fieldwork

Fossils from the Jehol Biota capture evolution in action

What Happens After a Fossil Is Discovered?

The discovery of a fossil marks just the beginning of an extensive scientific journey. When paleontologists or fortunate amateurs stumble upon these ancient remnants, they initiate a meticulous process that can span months or even years before the specimen’s secrets are fully revealed. These prehistoric treasures provide crucial glimpses into Earth’s distant past, helping scientists ...

Museo di Storia Naturale di Firenze

From Error to Icon: How Paleontology Corrects Its Mistakes

Paleontology, the study of prehistoric life through fossils, has a fascinating relationship with error. Unlike many scientific disciplines where mistakes might be confined to laboratory notebooks, paleontological errors often become public spectacles—immortalized in museum displays, textbooks, and popular culture. Yet the field’s resilience lies precisely in its ability to correct course, transform understanding, and even ...

Sauriermuseum Aathal Stegosaurus

How Paleontologists Identify a New Dinosaur Species

When paleontologists announce the discovery of a new dinosaur species, it represents the culmination of extensive scientific detective work. Identifying, naming, and classifying a new dinosaur species involves meticulous research, comparative analysis, and collaboration among experts worldwide. From the moment unusual bones emerge from ancient rock layers to the formal introduction of a new prehistoric ...

grayscale photography of two animal skulls

Are Scientists Too Quick to Reclassify Dinosaur Species?

Dinosaur classification has become a hot topic in recent years as advanced technologies and methods enable paleontologists to examine fossils in unprecedented detail. With each new finding, it seems another dinosaur is reclassified, merged with an existing species, or split into multiple new ones. This has led many to question: Are scientists too hasty in ...

Fossils from the Jehol Biota capture evolution in action

Academic Gatekeeping: Who Gets to Publish Dinosaur Discoveries?

Paleontology, the study of prehistoric life through fossils, captures the imagination of both scientists and the public. Among the most celebrated fossils are dinosaur remains, which offer glimpses into Earth’s distant past. However, behind the museum displays and exciting announcements of new dinosaur species lies a complex world of academic publishing that determines whose discoveries ...

Microraptor's aerodynamic feathers hint at gliding or even early flight, soaring through prehistoric skies.

Are We Over-Interpreting Fossils with Modern Bias?

The study of ancient life through paleontology has revolutionized our understanding of Earth’s biological past. By examining fossils—preserved remains or traces of organisms from previous geologic periods—scientists reconstruct extinct species and ecosystems that existed millions of years ago. However, a growing concern within the scientific community questions whether modern human biases and perspectives unconsciously influence ...

BLM Paleontologist Dr Greg McDonald

The Tools of the Trade: What Paleontologists Pack for a Dino Dig

Paleontologists are scientific detectives, uncovering the mysteries of prehistoric life that walked our planet millions of years ago. When these fossil hunters head into the field to excavate dinosaur remains, they don’t just grab a shovel and bucket. Modern paleontological expeditions require careful planning and a specialized toolkit that combines traditional tools with cutting-edge technology. ...

Close-up image of an Archaeopteryx fossil showcasing detailed bone structure

The Forgotten Fossils: What Happens to Bones That Don’t Make Headlines

In museums worldwide, impressive dinosaur skeletons and ancient human remains captivate visitors with their imposing presence and historical significance. These star specimens represent extraordinary discoveries that have shaped our understanding of evolutionary history. Yet, for every fossil that makes headlines and finds its way into prestigious display cases, thousands more remain unseen by the public ...

Could We Clone a Dinosaur

How Do Scientists Determine a Dinosaur’s Age?

When we marvel at towering dinosaur skeletons in museums, we’re often told these magnificent creatures lived millions of years ago. But how exactly do scientists determine when these prehistoric giants roamed the Earth? The process of dating dinosaur fossils involves multiple scientific disciplines and sophisticated techniques that have evolved significantly over the decades. From examining ...

Talampaya

Fossil Hotspots: The Most Productive Dinosaur Sites on Earth

The Earth’s geological record serves as a time capsule, preserving the remnants of prehistoric life that once dominated our planet. Among these ancient creatures, dinosaurs captivate our imagination like no other. Across the globe, certain regions have yielded extraordinary concentrations of dinosaur fossils, providing paleontologists with unprecedented glimpses into the Mesozoic Era. These fossil hotspots ...