Abstract
Abstract Computer-aided 3-D reconstruction of fossils, or virtual paleontology, is an increasingly common and powerful technique. It is now regularly used for research in paleontology, yet to date has impacted little on public outreach and science communication; however, it is ideally suited for these purposes, being increasingly cheap and available, dynamic and exciting, and applicable to a range of topics. Here, we provide an introduction to the field, and a case study of its use for a public engagement event. The steps involved in creating such an educational resource are outlined, and include computed tomography scanning, digital visualization, and 3-D printing of fossils. We emphasize the value of virtual fossils for science communication; they allow for diverse learning styles in a variety of topics. In the future, we hope that virtual paleontology will become a mainstay of communicating the history of life, thereby promoting accurate understanding of evolution.
Highlights
Fossils provide us with the only direct evidence of prehistoric life
Virtual paleontology is a valuable technique for studying the history of life, and has enormous potential as a public outreach resource—it represents a unique way for people to actively engage with fossils to which they would usually have no access
The inherent interactivity of virtual fossils makes them effective tools for engaging with the public, young people, and the tactile nature of displays is important for reaching non-visual learners
Summary
Fossils provide us with the only direct evidence of prehistoric life. Without them we would know next to nothing about captivating extinct groups such as non-avian dinosaurs, trilobites, and woolly mammoths. Fossils can frustrate as well as enlighten; fossilization typically flattens dead creatures, leaving 2-D (two-dimensional) specimens that are difficult to understand as real, 3-D (threedimensional) organisms. Fossils can be three-dimensionally preserved; for example, if a mineralized concretion formed around the remains of an organism soon after burial (Fig. 1). Such material is critical, providing scientists with an unparalleled opportunity to reconstruct the biology and evolution of extinct creatures. Owing to their spectacular appearance, exceptional three-dimensionally preserved fossils are ideal tools for educating non-specialists in paleontology. The most outstanding specimens are extremely rare and often very fragile; they are generally not accessible to the public, despite their strong potential interest
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