T-Rex Sale Sparks Controversy: A Case of Scientific Funding
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The Detrich T-Rex Controversy
In 2013, Alan Detrich stumbled upon a rare fossil of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex. Since its discovery, this precious find has been showcased at the University of Kansas Natural History Museum. However, Detrich now intends to sell the fossil on eBay for a staggering $2.95 million, much to the dismay of the scientific community.
This situation brings to mind a classic episode of The Simpsons, where Lisa uncovers an unusual fossil, and Homer sees it as a chance for economic gain. In this instance, however, paleontologists are particularly upset because they feel deprived of the opportunity to study this significant fossil before its sale.
Response from the Scientific Community
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP) has publicly expressed its disappointment over Detrich's decision, suggesting he is exploiting the attention garnered from the museum’s exhibition, which has likely inflated the fossil's value. The SVP argues that Detrich is withholding a valuable scientific discovery from the public.
The SVP emphasized:
"Vertebrate fossils are rare and often unique. Scientific practice demands that conclusions drawn from the fossils should be verifiable: scientists must be able to reexamine, re-measure, and reinterpret them (such reexamination can happen decades or even centuries after the fact). … [O]ur Society’s bylaws explicitly state that 'The barter, sale, or purchase of scientifically significant vertebrate fossils is not condoned, unless it brings them into, or keeps them within, a public trust.' Only casts and other replicas of vertebrate fossils should be traded, not the fossils themselves."
A Right to Ownership
It's worth noting that if a fossil is discovered on private land, the finder has legal ownership. Personally, if I unearthed a T-Rex fossil, I would likely choose to sell it as well. This sentiment is likely shared by many, including paleontologists. If you are not the discoverer, it's challenging to argue against the owner's right to profit from their find.
While the paleontologists' concerns are valid, Detrich has every right to sell this valuable asset, which he has displayed in a museum for two years. He has held onto it for six years total, and researchers could have arranged to study it at any point during that time.
According to Detrich, the SVP allegedly declined to study the T-Rex fossil while it was on loan at the museum, claiming they only investigate fossils that belong to permanent collections. If true, this suggests that Detrich did extend an opportunity for scientific examination prior to his decision to sell.
Funding Issues in Scientific Research
The crux of the issue isn't Detrich's decision to sell but rather the historical underfunding of scientific research. There are compelling arguments for adequately funding paleontological studies, just as there are for cancer research or astrophysics. As financial support dwindles, it's easier to blame private sellers for hindering scientific progress than to confront the realities of government budget cuts.
Recently, the White House reduced funding for scientific endeavors by over 17%, which has impeded the pace of innovation. Ultimately, since scientific research serves the collective good, it should not rely solely on substantial public donations.
Detrich's ownership of the fossil and the potential opportunities for study he provided to the SVP underscore the need for better funding in scientific research. Instead of engaging in public disputes with rightful owners of important specimens, we should focus on ensuring scientific inquiry receives the respect and funding it deserves.
