Dinosaurs: Why People Collect Fossils
Some people may find it strange why individuals would want to collect dinosaur fossils.
The fact is, it could be considered a little morbid or more over pointless, as you can see such fine quality collections in a museum which would be beyond the vast majority's price range.
So the question has to be, looking at such a large range of individuals from young to old, why do so many people have dinosaur fossil collections.
Like most questions there is often more than one answer, in fact there can be many and this question is no different, specifically when you ask the collectors themselves.
So here are a few of my favourite reasons why people have dino fossil collections.
Reason one: it's a family affair Most children love dinosaurs, hence the success of films such as the Jurassic Park series and dinosaur toy brands Papo, Bullyland and Safari.
With this interest comes the very real knowledge that dinosaurs are extinct.
So if you want something genuine in relation to a dinosaur then fossils are your only real choice.
I personally know many fathers and mothers who started collecting fossils to have something fun to do with their children.
An interest that meets the requirements and inspiration of parent and child.
Often this hobby continues and grow just like any other hobby.
Reason two: couldn't be any more unique if you tried If you want to own a 'one of a kind' item than there isn't anything better than a dinosaur fossil.
Sure there are lots of teeth from the same species or bone parts, but the fact is each one is unique.
To add to this you also have to remember this is a real piece of history, not from a war or important human event, but instead something that is literally millions of years old, prehistoric in fact, giving you the opportunity to touch the past, and behold the splendour of creation.
Reason three: Everyone needs a hobby Most people have a hobby, from collecting china to jewellery, however fossil collecting is as good as any of them.
You know the item you want, that specific tooth or that bone type, but there's getting the right one for you and once you've got it, it becomes the centre piece of your collection which you can proudly show in your house.
Reason four: It's more than you thought When you own a piece of pre-history, such as a dinosaur fossil, you can research the dinosaur it came from.
I will tell you something else, more and more facts are coming out each year about these amazing creatures meaning your knowledge just keeps on growing and so do the surprises, for example, T-Rex may well have had feathers.
The fact is fossils are an amazing reminder to all of us of previous periods of the earth's history.
Each item carries a mystery, a discovery and many questions.
How did this dinosaur live, when was it alive and how did it die? Once you've got a picture in your head you need to ask more questions such as what was the environment like and how did it interact with its own species and others of its time.
These question makes your fossil piece of great value, not least of all because of the time travel it's been through to reach you, and when you look at it you will realise just how beautiful it is.
The fact is, it could be considered a little morbid or more over pointless, as you can see such fine quality collections in a museum which would be beyond the vast majority's price range.
So the question has to be, looking at such a large range of individuals from young to old, why do so many people have dinosaur fossil collections.
Like most questions there is often more than one answer, in fact there can be many and this question is no different, specifically when you ask the collectors themselves.
So here are a few of my favourite reasons why people have dino fossil collections.
Reason one: it's a family affair Most children love dinosaurs, hence the success of films such as the Jurassic Park series and dinosaur toy brands Papo, Bullyland and Safari.
With this interest comes the very real knowledge that dinosaurs are extinct.
So if you want something genuine in relation to a dinosaur then fossils are your only real choice.
I personally know many fathers and mothers who started collecting fossils to have something fun to do with their children.
An interest that meets the requirements and inspiration of parent and child.
Often this hobby continues and grow just like any other hobby.
Reason two: couldn't be any more unique if you tried If you want to own a 'one of a kind' item than there isn't anything better than a dinosaur fossil.
Sure there are lots of teeth from the same species or bone parts, but the fact is each one is unique.
To add to this you also have to remember this is a real piece of history, not from a war or important human event, but instead something that is literally millions of years old, prehistoric in fact, giving you the opportunity to touch the past, and behold the splendour of creation.
Reason three: Everyone needs a hobby Most people have a hobby, from collecting china to jewellery, however fossil collecting is as good as any of them.
You know the item you want, that specific tooth or that bone type, but there's getting the right one for you and once you've got it, it becomes the centre piece of your collection which you can proudly show in your house.
Reason four: It's more than you thought When you own a piece of pre-history, such as a dinosaur fossil, you can research the dinosaur it came from.
I will tell you something else, more and more facts are coming out each year about these amazing creatures meaning your knowledge just keeps on growing and so do the surprises, for example, T-Rex may well have had feathers.
The fact is fossils are an amazing reminder to all of us of previous periods of the earth's history.
Each item carries a mystery, a discovery and many questions.
How did this dinosaur live, when was it alive and how did it die? Once you've got a picture in your head you need to ask more questions such as what was the environment like and how did it interact with its own species and others of its time.
These question makes your fossil piece of great value, not least of all because of the time travel it's been through to reach you, and when you look at it you will realise just how beautiful it is.
