Rebels, Scholars, Explorers: Women in Vertebrate Paleontology

Unearthing the hidden stories of women who have changed paleontology forever, Rebels, Scholars, Explorers celebrates their contributions and explores how the discipline has shaped our understanding of life on Earth. It highlights the barriers and challenges faced by women paleontologists and provides perspectives on how to ensure their contributions are encouraged and celebrated.

Format: Hardback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2020
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

For centuries, women have played pivotal roles in shaping and advancing the field of vertebrate paleontology. However, their remarkable contributions and the profound impact of their work have remained largely overlooked. In Rebels, Scholars, Explorers, Annalisa Berta and Susan Turner take on the task of celebrating the history of women bone hunters, delving into their captivating lives and groundbreaking work. At the same time, they explore how the discipline has shaped our understanding of the history of life on Earth.

Berta and Turner kick off their book by providing a comprehensive overview of the emergence of vertebrate paleontology as a scientific discipline, highlighting the significant contributions of women to research topics and employment opportunities. They then present concise biographical sketches and summaries of pioneering discoveries made by women across the globe over the past two centuries, encompassing roles as researchers, educators, curators, artists, and preparators. Moving beyond the boundaries, Berta and Turner shed light on the challenges and barriers faced by women paleontologists, outlining how some overcame these obstacles to establish successful careers in the field.

In the final chapter, the authors draw on interviews with a diverse group of contemporary paleontologists, who share their experiences and offer valuable insights to aspiring fossil hunters. They discuss the importance of promoting gender equality and inclusivity in paleontology, advocating for equal opportunities and recognition for women in the field. They also emphasize the need for continued efforts to uncover and recognize the contributions of women paleontologists, ensuring that their legacy is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Uncovering and sharing these lost stories about the pivotal contributions of women in vertebrate paleontology not only adds to the richness of our understanding of the past but also plays a crucial role in fostering a more diverse and inclusive future for this vibrant field. By recognizing and valuing the contributions of women, we can inspire future generations of scientists and researchers to break down barriers and pursue their passions, regardless of gender.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421439709