“Excavating Fossils” This webinar will begin at 7:05 pm Eastern time. Welcome! Thanks for joining us for - “Excavating Fossils” Presented by: Dava Butler, Education Coordinator, Waco Mammoth National Monument and Graduate Student, Montana State University This webinar will begin at 7:05 pm Eastern time. If you didn’t enter your first and last name in the “Guest” field, please close this window and log back in using your full name (necessary to keep track of attendance). If you joined us early and are waiting— Please feel free to write a question in the Chat Box! We will try to answer it during the presentation. Don’t forget to join the myFOSSIL community at www.myfossil.org Having technical problems? Ask us for help by typing in the chat box or check the troubleshooting guide at https://www.idigbio.org/wiki/index.php/Web_Conferencing

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Excavating Fossils Definitions Fossil Law Ethics and Protecting Yourself Carthage Institute of Paleontology, 2016 Expedition Case Study 1: Tyrannosaurid in Sand Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock Finding a Team Wrap-Up and Q&A

Definitions What is a fossil? A fossil is evidence of life found in a geologic context. Body fossils are physical remains of an organism. Trace fossils are evidence of behavior of an organism. Chemical fossils are organic compounds created by organisms.

Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Definitions Paleontology The study of the history of life Excavates fossils Archaeology The study of human history and culture Excavates artifacts Images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Fossil Law Each state has different laws. In most states, fossils belong to the owner of the land where they were found. Some states have special laws regarding vertebrate fossils. Beyond law, we should consider ethics. Every fossil is a unique piece of information. Fossils cannot contribute to scientific knowledge without context. How do we judge what might be significant?

The surest way to protect oneself is to work with an ethical team. Protecting Yourself The surest way to protect oneself is to work with an ethical team. What to look for: History of research Permits for excavation Fossils are in public trust

Carthage Institute of Paleontology Dr. Thomas Carr and Dr. Megan Seitz Carthage College, Kenosha, Wisconsin Annual expeditions to the Hell Creek Formation in eastern Montana Excavations are conducted under permit on Bureau of Land Management holdings Specimens are accessioned by the accredited Dinosaur Discovery Museum

Case Study 1: Tyrannosaurid in Sand Photo courtesy of Carthage Institute of Paleontology

Case Study 1: Tyrannosaurid in Sand Photo courtesy of Carthage Institute of Paleontology

Case Study 1: Tyrannosaurid in Sand Photo courtesy of Carthage Institute of Paleontology

Case Study 1: Tyrannosaurid in Sand Photo courtesy of Carthage Institute of Paleontology

Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock Photo courtesy of Carthage Institute of Paleontology

Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock Photo courtesy of Laura Shields

Many organizations are looking for new team members. Finding a Team Many organizations are looking for new team members. FOSSIL Project Local paleontological societies Museums The Mammoth Site Tate Geological Museum And many more!

Q&A

Wrap-up & Survey This concludes the presentation. Thanks! The final webinar in this series is: Nov 30 – Fossil Prep Basics with Rachel Narducci from FLMNH Remember to take the short (5 to 10 minutes) feedback survey at: http://tinyurl.com/jtn8fzb Visit us at myFOSSIL to access: this Powerpoint, recorded webinars, participate in webinar forum, and connect with others. And, stay tuned for info about our Spring 2017 webinar series, with the theme of “Women in Paleontology!”