Follow the Specimen
There are many different ways to look at a fossil. The preparator understands the specimen as materials; bone and matrix that must be dealt with properly to extract the fossil and enable the user to do his/her work.
The scientist views the specimen as a source of data – while the physical bone is fascinating, it is information that they can glean to advance their research that is most important. For exhibit developer, the specimen is a tool to teach about evolution and biodiversity, while for the public who visit the exhibit, the fossil is a fascinating illustration of the history of life on our planet.
This page looks at the work of three AMNH preparators as they each work on the preparation of a single specimen. Click on a specimen to follow a brief narrative as it goes through the process of preparation. For more detailed information download the accompanying PowerPoint written by each preparator.
- Oviraptor prepared by Amy Davidson
- Notoungulate prepared by Ana Balcarcel
Protoceratops prepared by Justy Alicea
