What do they use in museums to put the dinosaur's bones back together?

Answer 1

To build a public exhibit, curators would start collecting bones which they know would not be needed for research, usually because they already have a large supply of better specimens. They try to build a representative skeleton, using bones from many sources. They try to size them so the result has the right proportions for the chosen size. They put them into the relative positions they think are correct. Usually they drill the bones and thread them on stiff wire like a necklace.

The more important treatment of a unique specimen happens before it is collected. It is carefully dusted to minimize damage, photographed in place, then painted in place with a varnish or shellac to help keep it from falling apart when it is collected or transported. I don't know if they usually use a natural shellac that can be chemically removed later if needed, or if they use a synthetic plastic or epoxy for greater strength.

Answer 2

Hi,

Natural history museums are pretty cool places. The impressive dinosaur skeletons are definitely part of the allure.

Scholastic.com explains how scientists figure out which bones go where. But, as it turns out, real dinosaur bones are rarely used in the life-size skeletons.

I couldn't find an official explanation of how scientists keep the recreations from tumbling to the floor, but I think its safe to assume that its done with a special kind of wire. An article from the Boston Globe touches on the topic.

All links are included below.

Mike