FAQS: Exhibits Unit
Are the fossils in the Earth Sciences Gallery real?
Yes, many of the fossils in the Gallery are real, but some are also casts. Fossils are an irreplaceable heritage resource that must be protected from any damage if put on display. The real ones are displayed behind glass, since fossils such as dinosaur bones often have some organic material (like fragments of real bone) left in them and are very fragile. Any assembled skeletons that you see are made from casts of the real bones, because installing the rods and pins that hold them together would damage the fossil bones. Also, the real bones are brittle and very heavy (since they're essentially made of stone!), making it difficult and hazardous to secure them in a three dimensional position. Casts made from the fossils are very well done, allowing visitors to see all of the surface details that are present on the originals.
Cast of Giant Bison (Bison latifrons) skeleton on display in the Earth Sciences Gallery.
For further information contact the Exhibits Unit
Previous Why is there a Swastika on the saddle in the First Nations Gallery?
Next How many people were involved in building the Life Sciences Gallery?