What's happened
The American Museum of Natural History has unveiled 'Apex,' a 150-million-year-old Stegosaurus fossil, on loan from billionaire Ken Griffin. Purchased for $44.6 million, it is the most complete specimen ever found, allowing for significant scientific research and public education. The display opened on December 8, 2024.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, Sean M. Decatur, president of the American Museum of Natural History, emphasized the significance of Apex, stating, "This is a unique opportunity to have something that resonates in the public imagination about dinosaurs." Meanwhile, AP News highlighted the scientific value of Apex, noting that it is the most complete specimen ever found, with about 80% of its bones preserved. However, concerns about the implications of private fossil ownership were raised by experts, as reported by Business Insider UK, who argued that such sales could limit access for researchers and the public.
How we got here
The fossil, known as 'Apex,' was discovered in May 2022 by commercial paleontologist Jason Cooper in Colorado. It was auctioned by Sotheby's in July 2024 for a record $44.6 million, surpassing the previous record set by a T. rex skeleton.
Common question
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Why is the $44.6 Million Dinosaur Fossil So Special?
The recent acquisition of the Apex stegosaurus fossil for $44.6 million has sparked significant interest in the paleontological community and beyond. This remarkable find, set to be displayed at the American Museum of Natural History, raises questions about its scientific value, public engagement, and the implications of private ownership in the field. Here are some common questions people are asking about this extraordinary fossil.
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What Makes the Apex Stegosaurus Fossil So Special?
The unveiling of the Apex Stegosaurus fossil has captured the attention of both the scientific community and the public. As the most complete Stegosaurus specimen ever found, it raises numerous questions about its significance in paleontology and what it means for our understanding of dinosaurs. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions surrounding this remarkable fossil.
More on these topics
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Tyrannosaurus is a genus of coelurosaurian theropod dinosaurs. The species Tyrannosaurus rex, often called T. rex or colloquially T-Rex, is one of the most well-represented of the large theropods.
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Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second-most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. The city of Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, off the Central West Coast.
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Kenneth Cordele "Ken" Griffin is an American billionaire hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the founder, chief executive, Co-Chief Investment Officer, and majority owner of the investment firm Citadel.
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Ken Griffin (1914–1988) was a Western cowboy, leather worker, magician, and author. As a leatherworker, Griffin helped transition leathercraft from strictly a vocation to an accessible hobby through his work and teaching. As a magician, Griffin and his.