Can Anyone Identify This Fish Fossil?

  • Thread starter dougd
  • Start date
In summary, the conversation revolves around identifying a potential fossil that has been posted. However, the picture is not clear enough to accurately determine what the fossil is. There is discussion about the definition of a fossil and the overlap between different fields of study. It is suggested to take a better photograph in order to accurately identify the fossil.
  • #1
dougd
Can Any One Id This Fossil?
indian relics 300.jpg


indian relics 301.jpg
 
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  • #2
I don't see a fossil.
 
  • #3
correct , kinda,,it is a pre-historic carving from a dino tooth
 
  • #4
Lousy pictures --- one barely shows bone, or plant stem --- the other's just shadow. Turn the rock over and take a picture of what's showing in the lower left of the upper right hand picture in the OP.

What's this doing in "Social Science," anyway?
 
  • #5
Bystander said:
What's this doing in "Social Science," anyway?
Because archaeology is listed here under social science.
 
  • #6
I'm with Bystander - I do not understand what you mean - by "fishie" do you mean fake?
 
  • #7
Evo said:
Because archaeology is listed here under social science.

"Fossil" denotes anything dug from the ground if one works from the strictest definition of the word. Conventionally, archaeologists dig anthropogenic "artifacts" from the ground, paleontologists dig "fossils" of any life forms from the ground, and geologists dig "fossils" of geologic processes from the ground (Okla a "fossil" reactor, Chinle formation, a "fossil" river). Is "Lucy" a "fossil" or an "artifact?" Yeah, there's overlap, and archaeologists, anthropologists, and paleontologists are forever poaching on each others' turf; the first two are "social sciences" in most classification schemes, and the the third is regarded as Earth or life science.

Is the OP showing us a fragment of furniture embedded in consolidated ash fall from Pompeii or Herculaneum, dinosaur rib from the Morisson, petrified wood from who knows where, fish bone from Kansas? Hard to tell without a better photograph. Addressing the question in more detail, a photograph of a large indistinct chunk of the matrix in which a fossil is embedded is NOT a fossil --- photograph the anomalous structure, color, shape.
 
  • #8
Bystander said:
"Fossil" denotes anything dug from the ground if one works from the strictest definition of the word. Conventionally, archaeologists dig anthropogenic "artifacts" from the ground, paleontologists dig "fossils" of any life forms from the ground, and geologists dig "fossils" of geologic processes from the ground (Okla a "fossil" reactor, Chinle formation, a "fossil" river). Is "Lucy" a "fossil" or an "artifact?" Yeah, there's overlap, and archaeologists, anthropologists, and paleontologists are forever poaching on each others' turf; the first two are "social sciences" in most classification schemes, and the the third is regarded as Earth or life science.
Yep, I know, it was decided to lump everything together because there wasn't enough posting individually, paleontology was grouped with anthropology and archaeology.

Is the OP showing us a fragment of furniture embedded in consolidated ash fall from Pompeii or Herculaneum, dinosaur rib from the Morisson, petrified wood from who knows where, fish bone from Kansas? Hard to tell without a better photograph. Addressing the question in more detail, a photograph of a large indistinct chunk of the matrix in which a fossil is embedded is NOT a fossil --- photograph the anomalous structure, color, shape.
I can't make out what the picture is either.
 

1. What is a fish fossil?

A fish fossil is the preserved remains or impression of a fish that lived millions of years ago. Fossils are formed when the bones or body of a fish are buried in sediment and over time, mineral deposits replace the organic material, creating a replica of the original fish.

2. How can I identify a fish fossil?

To identify a fish fossil, you can look for specific features such as the shape and size of the fossil, the location where it was found, and any distinguishing characteristics like fins, scales, or teeth. You can also consult with a paleontologist or use online resources for further identification.

3. Where can I find fish fossils?

Fish fossils can be found in various locations around the world, such as sedimentary rocks, river beds, and ocean shores. They can also be found in museums, fossil parks, and private collections. It is important to obtain permission and follow any regulations before collecting fish fossils in a specific area.

4. How old are fish fossils?

Fish fossils can range in age from a few million years to hundreds of millions of years old. The age of a fish fossil can be determined through radiometric dating, which uses the decay of radioactive isotopes to estimate the age of the fossil. This can provide valuable information about the evolution and history of fish species.

5. Can fish fossils provide clues about ancient environments?

Yes, fish fossils can provide important clues about ancient environments and ecosystems. The location, sediment, and other fossils found with a fish fossil can reveal information about the climate, geography, and other living organisms that existed during the time the fish lived. This can help scientists reconstruct the past and understand how environments have changed over time.

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