Mostly, however, heavy and lightly colored objects are rocks, like flint. Paleontologists also examine the surfaces of potential fossils. If they are smooth and do not have any real texture, they are probably rocks. Even if it is shaped like a bone, if it does not have the right texture then it is probably a rock.
How do you test dinosaur bones?
You don't have to all-out French it, just quickly jab the tip of your tongue at the thing. If your tongue sticks ever so slightly to the fossil-in-question, there's a good chance it could be fossil bone. If it doesn't, you just licked a dusty ol' rock, dude.
Does your tongue stick to dinosaur bones?
The porous nature of some fossil bones will cause it to slightly stick to your tongue if you lick it, though you might want to have a glass of water handy if you feel compelled to try this.
What are the chances of finding a dinosaur bone?
Erickson of Florida State University explains. It is often stated in the paleontological literature that the chance an animal will become fossilized is "one in a million." This number is meant to be taken figuratively, the point being that the odds of surviving the rigors of deep time are extremely remote.
What would happen if you found dinosaur bones?
You can't even remove the fossil from where you've found it. That's illegal, unless you have a permit. But what you can do is take pictures of the fossil and record its location with the GPS on your phone. And look for any other markers that will help find it again, and then contact a paleontologist.
Can dinosaur bones be found anywhere?
Where have the most Dinosaur fossils been found? Dinosaur fossils have been found on every continent of Earth, including Antarctica but most of the dinosaur fossils and the greatest variety of species have been found high in the deserts and badlands of North America, China and Argentina.
Is there an app to identify fossils?
Download the free Fossil Explorer app. Fossil Explorer is a field guide to the common fossils of Britain and will help you identify fossils based on where you find them. Available for iOS and Android devices.
What does licking a rock tell you?
The main reason why geologists lick rocks is the identification of minerals. Licking helps geologists with identification of a very particular mineral group of evaporites. Minerals of that group look similar and have the same hardness, so licking is a prompt way to identify some mineral species.
How do you identify a dinosaur?
Dinosaur Identification Characteristics Dinosaur characteristics include armor, crests, sails, clubbed tails and numerous other physical features. Some of these characteristics are unique to a single dinosaur group, others are found in members of more than one of three main types of dinosaurs.
What happens if you find a dinosaur bone in your yard?
But in America, fossils discovered on private property belong to the landowner. So if you, as a resident of the United States, find a dino skeleton on real estate that you own, you can legally keep, sell or export it.