Fossil Identification Flow Chart

[DrDaveV]

Hi All,

 

It has been over 35 years since I took Paleonotolgy and things have changed a lot since then.   I am trying to help students identify fossils (both hand samples and from pictures/sketches).  I remember having flow charts to help the ID process.  Something like "two fold symmetry go here, five fold symmetry go there"  and then continuing working your way through asking yes/no, either/or,  if/then type questions.

 

1st - we had a name for those charts/processes, I can't remember what it is.

2nd - most of what I find are online versions that have pictures where you click a link.  Does anyone know of old school, printable flow charts that I can hand out to students?

 

Thanks,

David

[erose]

You are talking about "keys". Forget the fancy name, but the best break things into simple choices that lead you closer to the ID. 

 

I have found one of the  most useful references to be a good glossary or dictionary of morphological terminology. 

[Fossildude19]

Maybe not exactly what you have in mind, but this is the only one I have come across multiple times in my internet searches.

 

KGS-Identifying fossils by shape.

[Plantguy]

I think there are other general references I remember somewhere but this may give you some ideas and get you going with flowcharts.....dedicated to Texas fossils... 

page 23 starts the Id section and gets into flowcharts....

 

Make sure you read the Terms and Conditions of the ebook for reuse/distribution. 

 

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/56315/56315-h/56315-h.htm
The Project Gutenberg EBook of Texas Fossils: An Amateur Collector's
Handbook, by William H. Matthews III

This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

Title: Texas Fossils: An Amateur Collector's Handbook
       Texas Bureau of Economic Geology Guidebook 2

Author: William H. Matthews III

Release Date: January 5, 2018 [EBook #56315]

Language: English

Regards, Chris 

 

[DrDaveV]

Thanks everyone.  The type in the Teas Fossil book is the kind of thing I am looking for.  Most charts I find are based on phylogeny.  I want something based on morphology like the one in the Texas Fossil book.

 

Thanks.