Tastes like deep time...

Quick Overview

Paleontologists sometimes lick fossils to determine if a specimen is bone or rock, as porous fossil bone creates a distinct suction sensation on the tongue due to its tiny openings pulling in moisture, a method that, while not foolproof, offers a quick clue.

Key Points: Paleontologists use a "tongue test" to differentiate fossil bone from rock, as fossil bone adheres to the tongue. Fossil bone is porous, containing tiny openings that create suction by pulling moisture from the tongue. Fossilized wood can visually resemble bone, but it does not exhibit the same adhesive property when licked. The tongue test is not perfect because some rocks are also porous, and some fossil bones are not. Safer alternatives for identifying porous structures include using a magnifying glass or a small microscope.

Context: The video explores a peculiar but practical field technique used by paleontologists to identify fossilized bone. This method, often surprising to the uninitiated, relies on the unique physical properties of ancient bone to distinguish it from ordinary rock or fossilized wood, which can appear similar.

Detailed Analysis

The video demonstrates and explains why paleontologists sometimes lick fossils. This practice, known as the "tongue test," helps distinguish fossilized bone from other materials like rock or fossilized wood, which can often look similar. Brian Andres from the Yorkshire Natural History Museum explains that fossil bone is porous, meaning it has tiny openings. When touched to the tongue, these pores create a suction effect by drawing in moisture, causing the fossil to stick. This sensation is a key indicator that the specimen is likely bone. While effective, the video cautions that the test is not foolproof, as some rocks can also be porous, and certain types of fossil bone may not exhibit this property. For those who prefer not to lick potential fossils, the video suggests using a magnifying glass or a small microscope to visually inspect the porous structure, offering a safer and equally informative alternative for identification.