Quick Notes: 1. I was interviewing this week’s scientists of the week as they conducted their experiment at the local supermarket, Staupaq. You are probably wondering why, …, stay tuned for Saturday’s journal to learn the answer. So, I am a little later than usual. I will try to stay focused and brief.
- I did not put captions and descriptions with the pictures yet. I wanted people to have fun with the quiz first. Captions and descriptions will be added over the weekend.
Bones 101 – Bone, Wood, Ivory, or Rock?
I got a message from Michael the other day about the work he has been doing this summer involving archaeology. He was so excited to uncover some pieces. His efforts continued to pay off as he discovered a bird skull!! Great discovery!! Michael is already using the skills an archaeologist would use, the first and most important are his observation skills. The second skill is to hypothesize, or make an educated guess. Michael already did that too!! The third skills is to get more information. In Michael’s case he may decide to research the bone himself or ask an expert. We’ll see what he decides to do, Michael is certainly on his way to becoming a better scientist!!
The study of bones and animal remains is a fascinating branch of science. Obviously, what is needed is a lot of medical knowledge in conjunction with a strong understanding of different animals and their anatomy. The experts all started out just as Michael did; they found a bone, made a guess, and checked it out with either research or an expert. One of the most important things Michael did to get started with this kind of wonderful learning is that he went outside and started looking around.
OK, onto the bones. Michael said bird bone. How did he know? How would you tell? Maybe check the size? Is there a beak? Eye position? Where was it found? Questions like that come quick and get your research started. Don’t forget to sketch the bone, that will help you see more of the details, and will start a record of all the bones you discover.
Quiz #1: Whale or Canine (dog, fox, ...) ?
All set? Ready for the answer? Whale is the picture on the top, canine is on the bottom.
Pretty straightforward. How did you know? Size is certainly one factor, teeth is probably another, orientation of eyes could be a third. Those types of pieces are pretty easy. Others become more difficult (especially using computer images).
Quiz #2: Rock (Chert) or Bone
Another easy one. The rock, chert, is on the bottom. Again, why? The flakes off the chert? Color? Material they are made from? Without even touching it is hard.
What animals could the bone of the right come from? Alligators? Don’t live up here. What does live up here? In this case, seal bone. Where in the seal would this be found? You get the idea, ask lots of questions.
Quiz #3: Where in the Body? Both these bones are in similar places in the animals. Where do you think they could be?
Hint: The one on the top is from a lemming, and the one on the bottom is from a seal. Does that help?
These are both leg bones. I think they both may be femurs. I need to check, another great way to find information, ask someone else. I have been very busy asking two questions:
1. I think this is a _____, what do you think?
2. How do you know it is a ________?
Both questions help me improve my knowledge and skills. Granted, I will need to keep asking questions but I am making progress.
Quiz #4: Where’s the Bone? This is what it looks like in the field. Which is whale bone and which is ivory?
The one on the top is a piece of tan ivory, halfway between the pen and the right side of the picture. The whalebone fragment on the bottom is right in the middle.
The final quiz pictures get you to look closely at what is in front of you. Often, if we visit an area regularly, go slow, with our eyes open, and a quiet body, we can start to see things more clearly. It takes practice but over time, you observations get better and better.
How did you do? Are you on your way to archaeology school?
Hope you enjoyed the quiz and learned something. Get out and see what you can discover, let me know if there is any you come up with. Happy hiking!!