Timeless Forms: The Fossil Realm Journal

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUL 23, 2016: Diplodocus skeleton at the Natural History Museum (1881), Exhibition Road, South Kensington. Credit: Anton Ivanov / Shutterstock

Why do people collect fossils? For some, it’s the pursuit of knowledge. For others, it’s the thrill of discovery, the aesthetics of a natural masterpiece, or the financial potential of a rare asset. Fossil collecting has always been diverse, but in recent years the motivations driving collectors have expanded and evolved. After decades of working with buyers around the world, we’ve identified five distinct personas that capture the spectrum of fossil collecting. 

Willard - possibly the largest Triceratops prorsus skeleton ever found - spans 28 feet long and 11.8 feet high. Credit: Diego Mattarelli

Have you ever wondered how a dinosaur skeleton ends up in a museum or public exhibition? Who discovers and digs up the bones? How are the bones stabilized and prepared? And what process is used to restore the missing parts and, eventually, assemble the finished specimen? Read on to find out more about Willard —an astounding fossilized Triceratops prorsus skeleton recently unearthed in the badlands of North Dakota -possibly the world’s largest example of the species ever found!

Dr. Lukáš Laib in the Fezouata lagerstätte near Zagora, Morocco. Credit: Martina Nohejlová.

Czech paleontologist Dr. Lukáš Laibl shares wide ranging tips for anyone interested in the study of fossils. His dedicated research about trilobite development and evolution (and trilobite larvae in particular) provides a glimpse into the excitement of discovering unexpected facts about the prehistoric past. Dr. Laibl’s road to a career in paleontology was heavily influenced by natural history books and he was happy to recommend several books and resources for fellow enthusiasts and aspiring paleontologists.   

"Mummified" Nodosaur (new armoured dinosaur). Image courtesy of the Royal Tyrrell Museum, Drumheller, AB. 

The Royal Tyrrell Museum's exciting new exhibit, Grounds for Discovery, showcases many marvellous fossil specimens that were discovered accidentally through industrial activity. The exhibit is a testament to Alberta’s collaborative relationships between palaeontologists and major corporations, like the energy giant Suncor. We had the pleasure of discussing the unique premise behind the exhibit (and the mummified Nodosaur) with Dr. Don Brinkman, the Royal Tyrrell Museum's Director of Preservation and Research.

In our first instalment of "Profiles in Paleontology" we share a lively and informative discussion with geology professor and paleontologist Jacqueline M. Richard. Several topics were covered, including her pathway to a career in paleontology, teaching experiences at Delgado Community College, fieldwork in Nevada and North Dakota and the challenges of excavating sauropod bones. She also spoke about her fascinating work with microfossils aimed at understanding the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. 



Dr. Chris McKay in Antarctica. Source: NASA

How life originated is one of the deepest mysteries of science - this profound question has perplexed humankind for thousands of years. Now, in the twenty-first century, astrobiologists and other scientists have the tools to investigate it; yet, it remains extremely challenging to answer. 

The shocking discovery of a Cretaceous toothed bird preserved in Burmese amber has made headlines around the world. The 99-million year old hatchling is the best-preserved specimen of its kind: features such as eyelids, ear openings and even feather pigmentation remain. The specimen expands our understanding of early feathers and sheds light on the anatomy, development and lifestyle of a major group of Mesozoic birds, the Enantiornithes, which lived alongside the dinosaurs.