Lost Fossils explores a hidden side of paleontology: the disappearance of crucial fossils due to theft, misplacement, or concealment. This book argues that these losses distort our understanding of evolutionary history and the Earth's past. It sheds light on how human factors, such as scientific ambition and historical events, have impacted the fossil record. Imagine, for instance, how the disappearance of a key early hominid fossil could alter our interpretation of human evolution.
The book progresses by first defining what constitutes a “lost fossil” and the reasons for their disappearance. Then, it investigates specific cases, like the alleged theft of dinosaur specimens from Mongolia. Finally, it explores the wider implications of these losses on our knowledge of evolution, biogeography, and paleoclimatology.
This approach highlights the precarious nature of fossil preservation and the need for better documentation. By connecting Earth sciences, geography, and history, Lost Fossils offers a unique perspective on the human element in paleontological discoveries.
