paleontology work began in the northeastern area of the caribbean in the mid nineteenth century, when phosphate mining boomed in the region and fossils were coincidentally found in associated strata. later, in 1868, samples of fossils and their overlying sediments were sent from the islands to the philadelphia academy of sciences to estimate the potential scientific value of said specimens. these fossils were then given to famed paleontologist edward drinker cope, who was serving as the academy’s secretary at that time. cope is said to have taken particular interest in them and their notably large size.