Being precise when dating fossils is helpful

Readers write in about fossil dating, washing hair without shampoo, taxes, Marmite, and garden watering.

Published 30 July 2026 559 words
SCIENCE C1
Being precise when dating fossils is helpful

A recent report mentioned a fossilised jawbone from a creature called a rhomaleosaur, discovered by Matthew Myerscough. It was dated to be 201 million years old. This level of accuracy in dating fossils reminded one reader of an old anecdote about a museum guide. The guide told a visitor that an exhibit was 100 million and 27 years old. When asked how they knew this specific age, the guide explained that when they started working at the museum, the fossil was already stated to be 100 million years old, and they had been employed there for 27 years.

Another reader shared an experience related to hair washing. While travelling for two months in South Sudan and refugee camps in Uganda and Kenya, their shampoo was lost. With no shops available, the reader used plain soap to wash their hair. Upon returning to the UK and visiting their hairdresser, the stylist was very impressed. The hairdresser commented on the excellent condition of the reader's hair, asking what they had been doing to achieve such results, clearly unaware of the soap-only method.

Regarding discussions about taxes, one letter points out that the musician George Harrison was complaining about high taxes long before the 1980s. He even wrote a song called Taxman about the issue back in 1966, which illustrates that concerns about tax rates are not a recent phenomenon.

In a separate comment, a reader suggests that Lucy Knight was probably aware that Marmite on toast is a food item that people tend to have very strong opinions about. She might have known that it would likely receive a rating of either 10 out of 10 or zero. Therefore, perhaps she democratically awarded it an average score of 5 out of 10.

Another reader responded to advice about using washing-up water for the garden. While this is a practical tip for saving water, especially during hosepipe bans, it's advised to be cautious. It is suggested that this water should not be used on crops that are intended for eating, to avoid any potential issues from leftover food particles or cleaning agents.

Vocabulary

jawbone — the bone in the lower part of the face that contains the lower teeth.
fossilised — turned into a fossil; the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mould or cast in rock.
accuracy — the quality or state of being correct or precise.
anecdote — a short, amusing, or interesting story about a real incident or person.
exhibit — an object or collection of objects shown in a museum or gallery.
absence — the state of being away from a place or person; lack of something.
illustrates — makes clear or explains by giving examples.
phenomenon — a fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause is not immediately apparent.
democratically — in a way that reflects the will of the majority or that gives equal consideration to all.
drawbacks — a disadvantage or the negative part of a situation.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why is having a precise age for fossils important in science?
  2. Can you think of any everyday items or activities that people have very strong, differing opinions about, similar to Marmite?
  3. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of reusing household water for gardening?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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