Coleções paleontológicas de instituições públicas de ensino do município de Juiz de Fora: uma proposta para a conservação do patrimônio científico

Abstract

Comprehending nature requires a careful observation of space in view of time as a fundamental connective element. The fossil collections are the means of conservation and didactics practices that aim from basic pedagogical preparation to the most complex and in-depth studies in the field of paleontological science. In the municipality of Juiz de Fora, some paleontological collections fulfill the didactic function, providing educational spaces from basic to higher levels. The present study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of the pieces comprising each of the 4 didactic fossil collections in the municipality, accompanied by their individualized photographic records, which were subsequently, tabulated, including: the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), the Federal Institute of Southeast Minas Gerais (IF do Sudeste Mineiro), the Federal School João XXIII and the GEOPED (Geology and Pedology Laboratory of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora). It was sought to understand how such collections are configured, and a complete record of their compositions was made. The methodology used consisted primarily of photographic records accompanied by consultations with specialists, specialized articles and identification boards. The system for listing pieces and assembling the catalogs were based on the same methodology applied to the collection of the Geology and Pedology Laboratory of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. As result, a complete survey of these collections was carried out in addition to identifications of previously unidentified material at a taxonomic level, with subsequent assembly of graphs exemplifying the percentage of groups that make up the collections. It is of great importance that the development of further studies be carried out in the future aiming at the systematization of other collections (such as museological collections) in the municipality and other locations.