DINOSAUR BONE FOSSIL

Most dinosaur skeletons that you see in museums today exist as a result of sedimentary rock formation. Sedimentary rocks develop when sand, silt, mud, and other organic materials settle and harden, forming layers that are then gradually compacted over long periods of time. The Mesozoic period, which lasted from 251-65 million years ago, is host to a wide range of non-avian dinosaur species. The fossils from these creatures got their start when a dinosaur died in an environment that had lots of moving sediment, like an ocean, riverbed or lake. The inorganic parts of the dinosaur bone, such as calcium, have more staying power, and given the right circumstances will, inevitably, turn from bone to stone! The bone turns to stone through a process called mineralization. Mineralization of the bone occurs when ground water carrying certain minerals like calcium or silica reach the bone and soak into its honeycomb-like structure, filling the voids and allowing it to bond and harden over time. The best way to imagine this process is to think of the dinosaur bone like a sponge, soaking up mineral content and then hardening, while still retaining its original shape.

DINOSAUR FOSSIL RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION

Dinosaur fossils have been found on every continent, including Antarctica! But most dinosaur fossils, as well as the greatest varieties of dinosaur species, have been found in the high deserts and badlands of North America, China, Argentina, as well as along the Jurassic Coast of England. In these places, the Mesozoic rocks that are distributed at ground level are exceptionally well-developed and more easily accessible. First, geologists and paleontologists use Geological and Topographical Maps to assess the area and evaluate for prospecting opportunity. Much thought and planning are done before they start digging, and it is not uncommon for researchers to walk 5 to 10 miles per day in their efforts of finding optimal recovery sites. Successful recovery of fossils comes down to two general consistencies: Patience and Luck. Most days are spent looking at the ground and hoping to find something eroding out of it, and when bone fragments are found, it is often a good indicator that other bones could be in the area. With a trained eye and a hand lens, most paleontologists can quickly tell bone from stone while performing general field work; but, when technology fails, or the right equipment isn’t available, it may surprise some to learn that actually taking out your tongue and licking the stone might be the next best option. The rock-licking technique can aid in identifying rock from bone because the bone will have a pattern of incredibly small, honeycomb-like structures running through it, called trabeculae, whereas rock will not display this pattern. The trabeculae in the bone draw moisture out of your tongue, making it subtly stick to the surface; if it sticks then it is most likely bone, if it doesn’t stick then it is most likely rock. But discovering the fossil is just the beginning, and much work is needed when the recovery process is underway. Dinosaur bones can be very fragile, and paleontologists must be well-trained to not risk damaging the specimen after its initial discovery. Even fossils that appear large and heavy can't always support their own weight when lifted out of the ground, as they may have fractures running through them that need to be properly addressed at the site. Precise precaution, handling techniques, and excavation equipment are essential in the safe removal of the dinosaur fossils. Furthermore, careful recovery, collection, transport, and laboratory rehabilitation must be performed in order to successfully bring the fossil back to its original and most-complete state.