The Feud That Almost Destroyed Paleontology

The Bone Wars were a period of intense rivalry between paleontologists Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh from 1864 to 1897. Their feud involved underhanded tactics, including dynamiting dig sites and hiring agents to steal fossils. Despite their sloppy work, they made significant contributions to paleontology, although many of their discoveries were later invalidated. The rivalry tarnished their reputations and left a lasting impact on the field. Joseph Leidy, Cope's mentor, emerged as a more successful figure, while the Smithsonian benefited from the fossils collected during this period.

What role did bribery and underhanded tactics play in the Bone Wars?

In what ways did the Bone Wars tarnish the reputation of paleontology?

What was the outcome of the rivalry for both Cope and Marsh by the end of their careers?

How did Joseph Leidy's role differ from that of Cope and Marsh during the Bone Wars?