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| A very small amount of the palaeontologist’s time is spent on the site, digging up fossils. Most of the time, they are in the lab studying them. However, when they do go out to collect specimens, they must take a few things into mind. First of all, large fossils take a lot of space to store, and a lot of money to maintain. Secondly, a dig site also takes a great deal of funding to run. |
| You can see how palaeontologists can't just go digging up all the fossils they can find. They must make sure that they have the proper funding to take on a new project, and that the fossils at the site are actually worth the trouble. Only new discoveries, or fossils that are in extraordinary condition, can be excavated. They have to be sure that the fossils will help their research. |
| Once all this is worked out, there are still many things that must be done before they can begin digging. First of all, they must get permission from the owners of the land before they can do anything. Also, they must consider the damage digging there will do to the land and the surrounding ecosystem. once a dig site is determined, the scientists must get to know the land, in order to find the best fossils possible. |
| First of all, they must study the land using a geological map, one which shows all rock formations. They must also know the age of the rock, and the type, in order to get the best results. Good places to dig are where sedimentary rocks have been newly exposed (such as a recent earthquake) |
| Once they begin digging, it can take a very long time to excavate all possible specimens. Each layer of rock and dirt must removed by hand, very carefully. Palaeontologists use tools such as dentists' drills and brushes to be sure not to harm the fossil. The tools used must be very fine and precise. They absolutely MUST be sure to record the exact place where the fossil was found in order to learn anything. Sometimes, they can learn more from the site than from the fossil! Once the specimen is removed from the rock, it is usually coated in a layer of plaster to keep it safe. It is then transported to a lab, where more rock can be removed, and where it can be studied. |
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