Curiosity is the engine of science and progress. It is what drives scientists to ask questions and seek answers, leading to important discoveries. Some of these discoveries have been made by children, who have a special degree of curiosity.
One such discovery is the discovery of a new species of pterosaur named Vectidraco daisymorrisae after nine-year-old Daisy Morris. The girl, who is interested in animal bones, found the fossilized remains of this unusual reptile on the Isle of Wight in southern England. Scientists at the University of Southampton have identified and described this valuable find. Paleontologist Martin Simpson believes that without Daisy’s curiosity, the remains might have been destroyed by the sea surf.
Another example of a discovery made thanks to a child’s curiosity is the discovery of a new species of shrimp, Hoploparia natsumiae. Natsumi Kumagai, a girl from Japan, found part of a prehistoric shrimp in fossilized silt during an excavation organized by Wakayama Prefecture. Scientists believe that the body size of this shrimp was at least 10 centimeters.
A third discovery, made thanks to the curiosity of a child, is the discovery of a new species of Australopithecus sediba. Nine-year-old Matthew Berger, who accompanied his paleoanthropologist father, Lee Berger, on an excavation in South Africa, discovered a fossilized bone belonging to this extinct species. This discovery helped scientists better understand human evolution.
Children’s curiosity plays an important role in scientific progress. Not only do they discover new animal species, but they also help scientists make important discoveries. Children’s contributions to science should not be underestimated, because they have a special degree of curiosity and the ability to see things that adults might miss.
