Core Compentencies

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Statement of Purpose

These links and documents contain information about core competencies in different disciplines in natural history collections

Introduction

Paleontology

Defining the Professional Preparator Core Competencies

The below list of core competencies were drafted by Matthew Brown, Amy Davidson, Marilyn Fox, Steve Jabo, and Matt Smith in 2012 with the support of the 2011 Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Preparator's grant the University of Texas at Austin, American Museum of Natural History, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Natural History, and Petrified Forest National Park. The core competency information below is quoted directly from the "DEFINING THE PROFESSIONAL VERTEBRATE FOSSIL PREPARATOR: ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES" on SVP website. The linked YouTube videos were produced by the Association for Materials and Methods in Paleontology (AMMP).


1. Critical Thinking

  • The judgments and actions of the qualified preparator are guided by a methodology that places a priority on enhancing, not diminishing the scientific value of the specimen. Critical thinking allows the application of the knowledge, skill, and experience of the preparator to assess the specimen, the task at hand and the desired end product before commencing preparation and during every stage of preparation. The preparator must be able to continually monitor the immediate physical impacts upon the specimen by treatments, handling, examination, and consider the long-term effects of the materials and techniques applied to the specimen. The qualified preparator has the ability to conceptualize, think creatively and evaluate information in a systematic, purposeful, efficient manner. The preparator also has an appreciation for their own limits and knows when and where to seek guidance.


2. Aptitude for Fossils as Materials

  • Competent preparation requires an intrinsic sensitivity and feel for fossils as physical, often fragile material. The preparator combines this innate aptitude with an understanding of the scientific value of fossils, and a lack of competency in this area cannot be offset by knowledge of preparation and conservation theory.


3. Understanding of Fossils as Biological Materials and Data

  • The qualified preparator has the ability to exercise good judgment when interpreting the distinction between biological remains and matrix, and is guided by a fundamental knowledge of vertebrate anatomy, physiology and evolution. The preparator can recognize that fossil specimens are the physical representations of primary paleontological data. A preparator has a basic understanding of fossils as an individual’s remains and the biological data contained therein. A qualified preparator uses correct anatomical terminology to document preparation and communicate with researchers.


4. Understanding of Fossils as Geological Materials and Data

  • A qualified preparator should have an understanding of fossils and matrices as the products of geological processes and as geological data. This should include knowledge of taphonomy, basic geological principles, and different modes of preservation. Preparation usually requires removal of matrix from bone, and some fossil evidence such as trace fossils, root-casts, phytoliths and soil structure are contained within the matrix. Therefore, the preparator should have an awareness of data contained within the matrix and understands that any modification of matrix is a potential loss of data.


Contributors

Christina Byrd

Source Material

Links

References

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