Last year, a Stegosaurus nicknamed “Apex” sold at auction for US$40.5 million. A juvenile Ceratosaurus fetched US$30.5 million just last month.
Supporters of these sales argue that they’re harmless, or even good for science. Others compare fossils to art objects, praising their beauty or historical charm.
As paleontologists, we say plainly: these views could not be more misguided.
Fossils are neither art objects nor trophies. They are scientific data that provide a tangible record of Earth’s deep history. Fossils are essential tools for understanding evolution, extinction, climate change and the origins and disappearances of ecosystems.
mojofrododojo @lemmy.world - 3mon
feel the same way about meteorites.
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Jake Farm - 3mon
So what? Paleontologist beclare ownership of all fossils everywhere and starts ceasing them, what then? Not like they could even afford to store it all.
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Jake Farm - 3mon
Also who said scientists need to owm the objects they gather data from?
throws_lemy in palaeontology
Fossils are scientific evidence, and shouldn’t be auctioned for millions to private buyers
https://theconversation.com/fossils-are-scientific-evidence-and-shouldnt-be-auctioned-for-millions-to-private-buyers-262777feel the same way about meteorites.
So what? Paleontologist beclare ownership of all fossils everywhere and starts ceasing them, what then? Not like they could even afford to store it all.
Also who said scientists need to owm the objects they gather data from?