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Code of Ethics of Paleontology

The Paleontology is composed of several professions working together. A Code of Ethics which sets out the rules for working professionals in Paleontology is required. We see this in the medical area where doctors, nurses dentists, pharmacists and others work together and a Code of Ethics is necessary to define the conduct of professionals. Some countries and paleontology institutions have adopted some kind of Code of Ethics.1 2

In Paleontology, all these professionals should have a basic theoretical knowledge with stratigraphy, taphonomy and others, but to perform their tasks are divided into groups or subgroups according to their personal abilities. These groups are the Collectors, Preparers, Paleobiologists, Geologists and Paleoartists.

The Code of Ethics should define how new members will be admitted to the group, and what their area of knowledge and experience. If a member fails to comply with the rules, and punishments should be applied from warnings or banishment.

It is common sense that the fossils of scientific importance should be kept in museums or research institutions, for public viewing. The Code should define what fossil depository institutions.

A register of institutions, paleontologists and fossil facilitates the population know which the Museum where this fossil, and monitor the entire process from collection to be a World Heritage properties. This allows the traceability of a particular fossil and people can see and monitor the institutions and the enabled paleontologists.

There are situations where keeping fossils in museums would be too costly or unnecessary, and release the selling is best, but since the group deems necessary. Examples are petroleum, Seashells, leaves and other. All these criteria to assess the release of the sale shall be defined in the Code of Ethics.

Another important item of the Code of Ethics is the possibility that the Code be amended if there is a consensus of the majority of members, because the methods are constantly evolving in paleontology.

Collectors

Are professionals who regularly travel the outcrops , hoping to find fossils. The outcrops do not require greater security measures , because the fossils are protected by thousands of tons of earth that cover them. Normally , we see less than one percent of fossil outcrops and the rest is hidden . Visit the outcrops is often the best measure of protection because if a fossil is already surfacing is because its destruction by erosion is eminent . When the fossil is located, should be removed as soon as possible , because the greatest enemy of the fossil is erosion and fossil can be destroyed quickly. Disclose the location of outcrops to the local population and instruct her to seek help collectors contribute to their protection.

In an area with fossils, if the entire local population was used to visit the outcrops at the right frequency , there would be enough people for this task . And that is a reality worldwide . Thus, the paleontological world community has made an effort to expand the maximum number of collectors , using universities , schools , museums and even tourism agencies to teach new collectors . Hence the importance of a Code of Ethics , to establish the rules of functioning of working groups , so that everyone knows the rules and because of them there .