A valuable fossil collection from Britain's Jurassic Coast has been sold to Abu Dhabi. The Natural History Museum there now displays the specimens. Experts say this sale represents a significant loss for UK science. The collection was assembled over many years from one of the world's most important paleontological sites.
The sale reflects a growing trend in the fossil market. Private collectors now compete with museums for specimens. Prices at auctions continue to rise dramatically. Public institutions often cannot afford to compete. As a result, important fossils are disappearing into private ownership.
Scientists are particularly concerned about access to specimens. Paleontologists rely on studying fossils for their research. When fossils enter private collections, researchers lose the ability to examine them. This limits scientific discoveries and public education. The trend raises questions about how to balance commercial interests with scientific needs.
Sources: theguardian.com
The words in bold are from the article.
| 1. valuable | a. fossil-related |
| 2. specimens | b. inspect |
| 3. assembled | c. gathered |
| 4. paleontological | d. business |
| 5. compete | e. samples |
| 6. dramatically | f. precious |
| 7. institutions | g. significantly |
| 8. paleontologists | h. fossil scientists |
| 9. examine | i. rival |
| 10. commercial | j. establishments |
1.f 2.e 3.c 4.a 5.i 6.g 7.j 8.h 9.b 10.d