Investing bones is a term often used in the field of archaeology and paleontology to describe the process of excavating and recovering fossilized remains, typically bones, from their geological context. Fossil excavation involves careful and methodical techniques to preserve and extract these ancient remains.
Investing bones starts with the identification of potential fossil sites. These sites are often located through prior knowledge or by studying the geological formations and sedimentary layers in which fossils are likely to be found. Once a potential fossil site is identified, a team of experts, including archaeologists, paleontologists, and geologists, conducts systematic excavations.
During the investing bones process, great care is taken to ensure the preservation and integrity of the fossils. The bones are first carefully exposed using tools like brushes, picks, and shovels. Surrounding sediment and rock layers are methodically removed to reveal the complete fossil or bone. In some cases, the fossils are encased in plaster or fabric to provide additional support during transport.
Investing bones also involves meticulous documentation. Each fossil is photographed, measured, and marked with a unique identification number to keep track of its location and associated information. Detailed notes are taken to record the fossil's position within the geological strata, any associated finds, and the condition of the bones.
Once all the necessary excavation, documentation, and preservation processes are complete, the fossils are carefully transported to a laboratory or museum for further study, analysis, and eventual display. By investing bones, scientists and researchers are able to gain valuable insights into the ancient past, reconstructing the history of life on Earth and contributing to our understanding of evolution and biodiversity.
