Photos can be sent to professionals for help with identification.
Identifying fossils can be difficult for the amateur collector who has limited resources at his disposal. Individual finds from non-professionals have led to major contributions in paleontology, and many scientists are willing to help identify a specimen.
For the collector who is distant from museum or university resources, sending photo images of a fossil find may be a viable way to get an identification from professionals. Knowing where, and what kind of images to send, will help the amateur and professional both get the best identification possible.
Instructions
1. Research places to send fossil photos before taking the pictures. There are numerous resources available, and knowing the best place to send the photos is important so that no one's time is wasted. For instance, you wouldn't send a scientist who specializes in invertebrates a photo of a dinosaur bone because these are two distinct areas of study.
Several online sites offer identification help from photos, such as FossilWeb.com and GeologyRocks.co.uk. Local geology clubs can also help, especially because they have a more intimate knowledge of regional fossil groups. Museums and colleges may also accept photos for review.
2. A fossil on a neutral background will provide more contrast for seeing details.
Choose a neutral or contrasting background for the fossil specimen. When sending a photo of something like a rock or fossil, using an opposing background will help the sample stand out. Put dark fossils on a light background and vice versa. For example, an off-white fossil clam shell will be more distinctive on a black backing, while a bone may appear more clearly on a white background. It is also useful to include something in the background for scale such as a ruler or coin.
3. Some fossils can be difficult to see against the background of the rock.
Illuminate the fossil with overhead light or spotlighting. Good lighting will help a professional pick out key characteristics for comparison and identification. This is especially true for fossils like molds and casts within a rock, which may be more difficult to see against the rock matrix background. Be aware of bright spots or glare, and adjust the lighting accordingly.
4. A 3-dimensional fossil should have multiple angles to see all characteristics.
Shoot images from several different angles. This is important for 3-dimensional fossils like bones or shells, where multiple attributes can be seen on the back and front. Take close-up photos of any characteristic that may be important to identification. For instance, a clam shell should be photographed from the top to see growth lines, shape and decoration, and then should be photographed from the bottom to show internal scars from soft parts and the hinge area. Then take a close-up of the hinge area, a distinctive part of a clam fossil, which can identify its species. Seeing a specimen from more than one point of view can give invaluable clues to a fossil's identification.
5. Provide diagnostic traits to help with identification, if requested. Some sites may ask for sizes and dimensions, as well as a description. It is also helpful to provide information on where the fossil was found and in what type of rock. Knowing the age of the rocks from the fossil collection site is also important.
Identify the fossil to your best possible knowledge. Any clue to a specimen's identity can be helpful, and the less work the resource has to do, the more likely it is that she will be willing to help name the fossil. If you think it's a coral or a bryozoan, say so. If you have field guides, take the time to see if there is a comparative match. If you're clueless, it's okay to say that too.
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