1. “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.
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4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

16. Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

17. Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

18. Case Study 2: Ceratopsid in Rock

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

20. 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!

21. Q&A

22. 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:
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!”