Using 3D Scanners in Paleontology
Contrary to popular belief, interest in paleontology is not reserved for children, Jurassic Park fanatics, and natural history enthusiasts. In fact, this field of science can produce valuable knowledge for modern problems and insight into future concerns.
According to the late Dr. Richard Stucky, a doctor of anthropology and former Chief Curator at the Denver Museum of Natural History, the study of paleontology informs present-day scientists about the effects of climate change in the context of extinction, how ecosystems change over time, and the process of evolution. The latter has many exciting applications, such as practical uses in the field of medical research.
Paleontology is generally defined as the scientific study of Earth’s geological past, including the examination of biological life, its origins, evolution, and extinction. Due to the breadth of its subject matter, paleontology draws on knowledge and skills from biology, geology, ecology, computer science, archaeology, and anthropology. As such, the complexity of paleontology means that having captured, stored, and accessible study material is crucial.
It just so happens that technological advances in 3D scanning are the perfect foil for paleontologists, who often study specimens and sites that are remote, difficult to access, and far away from the advanced tools used in scientific analysis. Below, we explore some of the challenges that field paleontologists face, what their implications are, and how 3D scanning offers a pragmatic and effective way to overcome these difficulties.
How 3D Scanning Assists Paleontologists
Oftentimes, fossils discovered in the field are too large or fragile to be transported for further study without intense preparation. As such, many of these fossils are left where they are in the hopes that they can be safely extracted at a later stage. However, this leaves fossils vulnerable to damage by animals, the weather, and other uncontrollable factors.
As per Dr. Louise Leakey, a Kenyan paleontologist active in East Africa, rare and critical information can be lost in the way described above. Dr. Leakey has praised the ability of 3D scanners to preserve fossils in a non-invasive, safe way digitally. She has encountered one such instance where an exceptionally preserved specimen of the extinct giant crocodile species, Rimasuchus lloydi, was too large to be extracted in one piece. This is not surprising since the crocodile, which roamed East Africa during the Plio-Pleistocene period (roughly 5 million years ago), is thought to have exceeded 7m in length.
By using the Artec Eva and Artec Spider 3D scanners, Dr. Leakey was able to create high-fidelity scans to digitally preserve this remarkable specimen. Not only does this ensure that the secrets held by this fossil will live on, but it also means that information about it can be more readily shared, increasing scientific collaboration (scans are easier to transport than physical fossils).
While 3D scanning might seem like the promised land for paleontological collaboration, the transition to digitally preserved specimens does not automatically benefit everyone. According to the British scientific journal Nature, out of 200 popular paleontology papers published in 2018, just under half made use of 3D scans. Of those that did, only 31% shared that 3D data online.
Efforts are underway to try and buck this trend with MorphoSource, the world’s leading website for virtual fossils, receiving $2 million in funding from the American National Science Foundation (NSF) and North Carolina’s Duke University. Furthermore, a growing group of museums and scientists are making gains in increasing virtual fossil collaboration. The University of Witwatersrand (in Johannesburg, South Africa) allows its scientists to upload 3D scans to MorphoSource but requires a formal request from researchers who wish to view the scans in the highest possible quality.
3D scanning has diverse applications, but facilitating paleontological research and scientific collaboration might prove to be one of the most impactful.
"Unlock the Power of 3D Scanning for Your Organization
My Engineering Ltd. is comprised of a team of passionate, experienced, talented, and energetic professionals who provide 3D scanning, 3D scanner sales, and mechanical engineering services.
We stock a range of industry-leading Artec 3D scanners and also offer scanning services for organizations that don’t need to own a 3D scanner but would like professional assistance for their specific needs.
Reach out to us today.
Please note that the content and inspiration for this article were provided by the following blogs:
https://www.artec3d.com/news/using-3d-scanning-technology-study-our-past-interview
https://www.artec3d.com/news/tbi-paleontological-expedition-scanning-our-animal-ancestors