Final answer:
Paleontologists in the mid-1800s in the United States had limited knowledge about the field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bone War article suggests that paleontology was a young science in the mid-1800s in the United States. During this time, paleontologists had limited knowledge about the field. While they recognized the importance of fossils and studied them to understand prehistoric life and evolution, their understanding was limited compared to what we know today. It wasn't until later in the 19th century and the early 20th century that significant advancements were made in the field of paleontology.