Importance of palaeobiology in Natural History Museums and modern methods of exhibiting fossils

Abstract

Natural History Museums exhibit remains of both present and past organisms and natural objects so that we can understand their origins, evolution and interrelationships. All over the world, palaeobiology has become an integral part of Natural History Museums. Therefore, in order to understand the present day biodiversity we need to appreciate the biota of the past. All over the world people throng the museums to see dinosaur fossils. Fossils of extinct apes and humans are regarded as equally exciting. The present paper discusses the various modern ways in which we can make the best use of the available display area in a Natural History Museum, so as to create more interest among the general public and to attract scientific research. Like any other display, fossil exhibits have to be theme based and should attract the attention of a wide range of viewers. Displayed fossils should be thoroughly cleaned and glued wherever needed. At least at one place in the museum, one should recreate the sedimentary sequence and show where and how fossils occur in the field, before they are excavated. Reconstructions of two-dimensional and three-dimensional palaeohabitat of important fauna and flora is essential to help the general public to visualize the past environmental conditions. A gallery should have moveable display boxes and adjustable lighting system. An interactive computer with a floor plan is of immense help to the visitors. A children corner, with toys, zig-zag puzzles, and video films of various fossil plants and animals creates a lot of curiosity among the kids. A Natural History Museum has to be dynamic, its collections and exhibits have to be upgraded and updated regularly. The fossil collections are priceless as they are non-renewable. We should have a systematic pest management scheme to save fossils, murals and models from getting destroyed.