Sampling and collector biases as taphonomic filters: an overview

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Geology
• Ecology

Background:

• Sampling bias is a pervasive issue in scientific research, originating in statistical studies and impacting various disciplines.
• In paleontology, sampling bias is often linked to fieldwork, influenced by human factors (sullegic and trephic) and specimen selection criteria (ugly fossil syndrome).
• Biased samples lead to inaccurate conclusions about target populations and can be viewed as an additional taphonomic filter, introducing artificial results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the significant issue of sampling bias in vertebrate paleontology.
• To discuss the human factors and collection processes that contribute to sampling bias in paleontology.
• To emphasize the need for greater attention to minimize information loss throughout the paleontological data collection and curation pipeline.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sampling bias in scientific research.
• Analysis of human factors (sullegic, trephic, ugly fossil syndrome) influencing paleontological sampling.
• Examination of the transition points from field collection to museum cataloging (anthroposphere to patrisphere).

Main Results:

• Sampling bias in paleontology is frequently intertwined with collector choices and fieldwork practices.
• Human factors, including collection methods, historical resampling, transport, curation, and specimen selection based on completeness or researcher interest, introduce bias.
• There is a notable lack of discussion regarding sampling bias in vertebrate paleontology compared to other fields, particularly concerning the anthroposphere-patrisphere interface.

Conclusions:

• Sampling bias leads to information loss and artificial results in paleontological research.
• The role of the collector and associated human factors are critical and often indistinguishable from sampling bias.
• Further community attention is required to mitigate sampling bias from field activities through to cataloging to ensure data integrity.