In Search of Fossil Fish

[@bbcearth]

Lovely to see you out on location, Emily!

[@Seeker-Recordings]

Hello brits 😉

[@m3grim]

Anyone else feel like they could watch a solid hour of fossil fishing like this?

[@TheAAMoy]

With Emily's participation and running commentary, YES!!!

[@TheAAMoy]

JJ Klaus Someone please hunt down this JJ and take away the keyboard of stupidity used to create this shyte.

[@NNTorious]

JJ Klaus I don't condone your behaviour but this got me a good laugh. We should be free to say what we like without being put down. If Emily doesn't like it she can defend herself. I feel scared to comment on KZbin or social media without fear of verbal assault. #freespeech

[@Will140f]

Norris Thomas: you, sir, are a dunce for liking what that guy said. Freedoms don't come in to this. This is pure asshattery versus common decency.

[@Goblin_Mom]

JJ Klaus You honestly think you're not being vile here by objectifying her and then just carelessly throwing misogynistic criticism at her? I am so glad that most of the people here understand that you're being a scumbag; you don't see people coming together to tell off creeps like you very often in KZbin comments, I've gained respect for the majority of her fan base here.

[@oddzag]

I feel like with every episode this show's style becomes ever more Wes Anderson in style! Central framing! Prominent text! Classical music!

[@biofungus]

I know your job generally requires you to stay at the museum, but it's nice to see an "on site" video like this once in awhile.

[@PhilGartman]

I started watching this show thinking it would mostly be done within the museum itself and that would have been great. This takes it to a whole new level. It reminds me of fossil hunting with my uncle more than 30 years ago. This is so cool!

[@argusaltair6395]

Amazing how in all the toxicity of youtube, you find incredible channels like this one. Teaching people is great.

[@narc0manic]

Field trip and excavation videos are probably my favourites. It's great to see how the museums not only preserve the collections they already have, but constantly add to those collections.

[@icemancad]

this is probably my favorite video in terms of how informative, hands on, and 'nice' (everyone seemed to enjoy themselves) it was. This seemed like a LOT of fun.

[@mrpotatoheadmonster]

Ahhhh! I love that since the start you've evolved (hehe see the word choice) into this amazing channel that goes all over to educate the world on science. Also, I love that you live in the same place as me and I can say that I go to the museum you work at... but ya, you imspire me and I'm guessing many others with the work you do sooooo KEEP IT UP

[@vampkimi]

This episode was so unbelievably cool! I could watch a whole hour of this ancient "fishing" XD Love this channel so much! Thanks for sharing this awesome experience with us Emily! You've got a sweet job there.

[@nathanong]

Hands down one of my favorite episode of The Brain Scoop. I love the Green River Formation!

[@JohnBare747]

Field Trip!!! Great stuff Emily really enjoyed this little jaunt off the beaten track.

[@ThugMuffinification]

I have to agree with many of the other comments, I find this fascinating and really could watch an hour long video of this... Or watch videos on it all day lol. Its just so cool to see creatures that were here so so long before us, and to try to imagine what the world looked like for them. We live in an incredible place with an equally incredible history

[@locolobos0035]

Very cool!! I love that archaeologists and paleontologists can identify the species they work with so quickly. You must become so familiar with the common species even though you're only seeing their fossils and not any other clues.

[@SatoshiMatrix1]

This is absolutely fascinating! I have never been so intrigued by an episode of the BrainScoop! Did you guys do more filming there? I wanna see MORE!

[@MrLokilis]

Thanks for sharing this with us Emily! That was really awesome to watch.

[@SciJoy]

I love that we get to see the variety of awesome jobs out there. Thank so much for sharing.

[@digitalWinds]

This must have been an amazing field trip to be on in person. Does anyone else listen to the end and think that it is sometimes amazing that KZbin still has amazing brains on it like this. (and yes, I know there are lots of smart youtubers)

[@convinceingvince]

This was a nice change of pace from being in the museum setting. It would be cool to learn the different collection processes and how some of the other items in the museum make their way to Chicago.

[@TPPMac1]

Great episode Emily. I could watch this stuff for hours!

[@SM-Flyers]

Cool Video Emily! Seeing the field work and having it explained is really awesome! You are a great science communicator!

[@Acquavallo]

I rally LOVE the new asterisc footnoty thing in the videos! It' amazing and perfect and e beat thing ever

[@jebus6kryst]

I've just spent the last nine days digging in New Mexico, and I am still jealous of what you're doing.

[@scott98390]

WHAT'S THE DEAL?!?! If yer gonna name the shims, ya gotta name the shovels.

[@HamzaSayedAli]

I'd name my shovels Clarice and Phillipo.

[@Lauraphoid]

Sybille?

[@13mjunky]

Hahahahaha spade

[@Fralmunk]

Gah looks like so much fun! So jealous of Emily's job, but I am so thankful that thebrainscoop exists so I can live vicariously through these lovely people!

[@hifromthestudio]

Looks like you had a fun time Emily! I could have never known that you haven't done it before. Can't wait for the future episodes regarding what you did that day:D

[@pad92011]

Does anyone else think Emily has the best job ever?

[@ragnkja]

Of course! Her job is literally _to be curious_, which is the most awesome thing ever.

[@Yoohooo654]

Me

[@chicklovesmusic]

It was oddly relaxing watching footage of getting the fish out. I'd totally be down for an extended cut of this episode or cut scenes or something along those lines.

[@talideon]

'[...] Is a lot like what modern Florida is today'? Which is to say, full of fossils? :-)

[@HamzaSayedAli]

I think she was referencing the wildlife.

[@talideon]

Yes, I know.I was also referring to the fact that Florida is a popular retirement location. That was the joke.

[@yo388]

Clap, clap good sir. You win a thumbs up. Also, please make a video pronouncing your name.

[@HamzaSayedAli]

Oh wow. I'm smart. Lol.

[@sarahfitzgerald7164]

I loved this! I would be really interested in seeing more episodes with the students too.

[@margaretguillory]

If you take a nap next to the rock, will you be sleeping with the fishes?

[@unvergebeneid]

Dunno, but I'm totally digging this video.

[@Shoofleed]

These puns rock.

[@thebrainscoop]

Jack Oliver Once you get the schist of them, it's pretty easy to uncover more geology puns...

[@Alleighs]

I want to hammer out another pun but every one I think of is shimy

[@thebrainscoop]

Alleigh Kat Don't be too hard on yourself, your sedimental efforts aren't in vein!

[@PupitoManuel]

Emily, I love you!!! I can be all day listening to all your awesome knowledge and cute way of teaching it! You are amazing, keep it up!

[@TheSciGuys]

I know of an easier way to find fish...you just need to call out "Here Fishy Fishy Fishy!!" I loved this episode. It's really great when episodes are filmed out in the field.

[@chillsahoy2640]

The sedimentary layers are that flat and smooth? Amazing! I always thought they might be a bit more uneven.

[@thebrainscoop]

Conditions at the time were so impeccably ideal that everything was preserved in perfectly flat sedimentary layers. In the next episode, we talk about how unlikely and perfect all of the different elements had to be in order for this pristine type of preservation to occur. Stay tuned!

[@bsinger182]

***** I'm looking forward to it!

[@chillsahoy2640]

***** Thanks for the response! Sounds like a great episode, I'll keep an eye on my subscription box for when it comes out.

[@GodofReapers]

I think that has to do with the limestone and the way the site works. I think excavation is usually a lot more delicate. It'd be super-cool to do this!

[@mikelakner5622]

You always appear to be joyous, thank you.

[@Will140f]

I love these remote segments. Like when Emily collected bugs with that guy. That was great too. More of these type of vids would be amazing :)

[@troberts1]

This should be Part 1 of many! I'd love to be there fossil fishing. :)

[@ljmastertroll]

The role of mystery feet was a revelation to me.

[@-cosmicrogue-]

This episode rocked. ...but seriously, I dig Paleontology.

[@HayleyBarrickman]

I didn't think this would be so interesting, but it was totally awesome! I wasn't aware how fossils were taken out of rocks. It's a lot less sterile feeling than I expected.

[@JimmySlaughter]

Cool video, Emily! I hope the Field Museum is able to send you out on more trips, like this one, soon! Also, thanks for thinking of ME, when you named your shim. ;-)

[@TinyLittleElise]

This is delightful! I'm excited for more!

[@mariannemcnamara8054]

Fascinating episode. So cool to film "on location!"

[@xwinqpilot808]

Really informative and interesting! Look forward to future field trip videos! :-)

[@ryPish]

Future BrainScoop videos need more jumping Emily :3

[@rainydaylady6596]

Emily you have the best job in the world!

[@haleydriscoll5615]

I love the style of these videos... kind of reminds me of a wes anderson film!

[@archaeopteryx9458]

ok, dude, your videos are the best

[@EasterWitch]

That looks so fun! The only thing I found when I helped out on a archeology sight was some ceramics and some bones.

[@Raccoonroyaltea]

i wish i had a job like yours. it looks like an amazing educational experience!

[@johnclavis]

This was great. Emily rules. I'd love to see more of this expedition! You know who I can imagine really enjoying doing this? Adam Savage from Mythbusters!

[@TheAAMoy]

I also like how this was very LOW on the gross meter and very HIGH on the enthusiasm meter!

[@unvergebeneid]

True, dead animals get less gross if you put them in the ground for a couple million years ;)

[@MatthewSmith-sz1yq]

It's actually pretty gross for me, I put things into perspective. Dead, day old fish are kinda gross. Now they add fish that have been decomposing for millions of years. Million year old, rotten fish. Mhm.

[@krezzybot]

This is fascinating! I've never seen specifically how paleontologists/archaeologists work!

[@davidshi451]

You should also check out the ANHM channel, one of their employees shows his work while recording with Google Glass!

[@ClockworkGriffin]

This looks nothing like Archaeology, this way too disorganized.

[@krezzybot]

David Shi Cool, thanks!

[@kazoosc]

I have seen lots of 'plates' with fish and plants and such -- interesting to see the process used to free them from the surrounding matrix. did not realize it was such a small slice of time. i imagined it was various bands of sediment overlaying one another, representing different time periods.

[@sneebo1]

Always wondered what digging up fossils was *actually* like (only got Jurassic Park as a reference...), now I know! Informative and fun and all-round excellent stuff :D

[@sewlivi]

I wanted to see more. It looks like so much fun!

[@nerdfighteremma]

AH so cool! Love behind-the-scenes-ish stuff like this. :)

[@andrewfleenor7459]

I love how Jim gets through rowing an imaginary boat with a straight face, but Emily breaks him with "Jim the Shim".

[@KiddsockTV]

awesome! Looking back in time.

[@dinologue]

No better way to spend the summer, than surrounded by fossils!

[@BeneathMyWillowTree]

This was such a good episode! :)

[@cathy26]

I've been there! Several years ago my family took a trip out west and we got to look for fish fossils and got to take 10 home with us.

[@aleksterziev]

This is so cool :D Can you please show us more of the trip?

[@cooperolm9687]

Wow, I am so jealous! I spent the weekend fossil hunting, but the tiny sand dollars I found in river stones don't compare to fish! I am pretty sure I have never found a vertebrate.

[@juanborjas6416]

I am loving the Baroque music on the background.

[@OneUpdateataTime]

That looks fun! The downside is how much sunscreen I would need the constantly lather on to work in an environment like that.

[@NobleKale]

Woah woah, let's talk about this mini horse - what was it called?

[@SirCharles12357]

Eohippus

[@realspacemodels]

This sure beats what I have planned for vacation this year!

[@My2ndnephew]

Emily, what a cool job you have!!

[@john-alanpascoe5848]

Really cool to see this field trip! Are you continually tripping over fossils so to speak, or did it take you a while before you found one you could excavate one for the video?

[@seanduff8878]

Great video. I love paleontology, especially uncovering an entire ecosystem one specimen at a time...

[@8happyperson]

I love this topic in science, one of the most interesting ones.

[@jhangelgurl]

Great video! This makes me wish even more I could do something like this.

[@vlad1972]

Great video! Really well done, very instructive. I will share it with my daughter, as one of teh ways to make her to be interested in science.

[@mooxim]

5:54 He totally could have said "hammer time" right there. It would have made my day.

[@oddrey52]

I loved this episode!

[@velozmachine]

A Brain Scoop field trip?? But, but, my parents never signed a permission slip! D:

[@JoyLyte]

Looks like a lot of work..and a lot of fun!!

[@Matt-vv7fl]

that looks like a lot of fun!

[@DocFumachu]

Really cool and interesting episode. Do they try to find more species in the slabs they take back to the Fields, or is it to risky for the already revealed specimen?

[@thebrainscoop]

Once the slabs get back to the Museum and preparation is taking place for the marked fossils, it's likely they find other fish within the same slab! We'll talk more about that preparation process in an upcoming segment.

[@8happyperson]

***** Yay! More of this!

[@sweetamortentia]

***** will we get to see the preparation process? that would be so awesome!

[@BattleManiac7]

One of my favorite videos on this channel, kinda cool if you think about how the fish she found will be put in the museum's collection and may one day, maybe even after anyone who reads this comment is long gone, be used for scientific research.

[@silphael]

How do you know if you've found bacteria? Do you only examine around visible fossils, or are there large visible colonies? I'm picturing someone pouring over tons of limestone with a microscope - that seems like an overwhelming amount of work for very little return!

[@bryceandrew13]

If I couldn't be a writer, I'd be a paleontologist. Watching Jurassic Park everyday after school in the third grade had a big impact on me and my love for biology (especially dinosaurs, which I still nerd over to this day).

[@13mjunky]

You're very lucky to be digging on the Butte. Not many people get that pleasure XD unless you were working up north of it.

[@diadu6]

It's great to see actual excavation at work.

[@JellybellyWaffles]

I watched all of the "thebrainscoop"... Now I don't know what to do.

[@EcoCurious]

Watch it all over again!! :D

[@Hypatia4242]

Have you heard of Numberphile or Sixty Symbols? They are interviews with college professors about math and chemistry. Just as fun! (Not as geek-chic as Emily, but it has the same vibe to it.)

[@pendlera2959]

Watch some free college lectures! YaleCourses is a good channel.

[@ElJefeGrande123]

Looks like so much fun.

[@TheBlackrose1989]

This video is by definition too cool for school. Get it? 'Cause it's a field trip?...Can you tell I think I'm funny? I'm not. Translation: THIS VIDEO WAS AWESOME SAUCE!

[@Linkous12]

This re-ignited my childhood dream of becoming a paleontologist.

[@SafariLtd]

Oh wow! We love Fossils!

[@instonefossils698]

I've referred people to this video in the past because it's a fun explanation. Thanks

[@roidroid]

2:52 _"this 18 inch layer only represents several hundred or several thousand years"_ and that's why those fossils are some pretty easy to grasp evidence illustrating how evolution works. You don't find fossilized remains of animals from previous times or future times in that layer, ie: you'll never find a fossilized modern bunny rabbit in that deep layer, as bunny rabbits evolved at a much later date (they'd only ever be found in higher up layers). (i don't actually know when bunny rabbits evolved, i was just in want of an example of something that you wouldn't find in those deeper layers.)

[@NickGreyden]

Hey Emily. I have a question about apperal. I see so many wearing shorts on a dig like this including you. How is this a good idea when you are kneeling on and working with (possibly sharp) rocks and tools and stuff for at least a portion of the day? Wouldn't longer pants be advisable? Is there some reason that someone who has actually been on a dig (you) can give for this seemingly bad choice of work wear to someone who hasn't (me)?

[@TwinkTwinkle]

This is really cool! I went to Jurassic Coast in England, we didn't find any fossils but the local shops were full of them! (Hundreds and hundreds of them!)

[@EcoCurious]

Aaghhhh this is ssoooo cooooool! I have a teeny tiny fossil collection but now I really want more :P

[@chicoarraes]

that looks like sunburn in the making

[@Nszewczak]

Hey Emily! I was curious if you guys were documenting the location/depth of these finds, or was the pile of fossils at then end just marked as 'Site#' ?

[@jamesholstein4038]

The locality data is well known from this site so we would just label the whole lot accordingly. A couple of years ago we tried a pilot project of quantifying the number of fossils from each layer we pulled. This is difficult because other than known ash layers (from volcanic eruptions) the layers do not consistently split. I plan on trying a slightly different approach on future digs.

[@robertpendergast2620]

Does the Field Museum sponsor on site dino dig trips? I did not see anything like this on their site. I went on a trip with Montana State University in 1995 which was very enjoyable.

[@jamesholstein4038]

Unfortunately, we do not have any on site dino or fossil digs. Yet.

[@rachelannpierce9751]

This is so cool! Whenever I picture things like this I'm always imagining that they're on another continent and run by Indiana Jones. It's cool to see that you're digging in a place I could potentially drive to with some pretty simple tools. Do you need permits/permission to dig or is it just an archeological free-for-all? Note to editor: When I put the closed captions on I couldn't see all of the text on screen.

[@thebrainscoop]

Yes, all of the digging we do is with permission of a private land owner, but many ranchers/farmers in the area run commercial quarries. Digging for fossils is not allowed on public lands or in protected areas, otherwise there would be no lovely landscape left!

[@CriticalMassCongregation]

***** Lovely landscapes are awesome and all, but I'd personally sacrifice a nice view for science any day of the week.

[@thebrainscoop]

ArtfulDawdger Lovely landscapes include viable habitats for ecological diversity, which is also science.

[@terralynn9]

At what point would the Field Museum say, "Nah, we've got enough Knightias, let's just leave them here"? Also: YAY! Fossils are so cool!