Podcast Summary
Study of life before Holocene Epoch through fossils: Paleontology is the scientific exploration of life's history through fossils, involving fieldwork, lab analysis, and uncovering valuable insights about Earth's biosphere.
Paleontology is the scientific study of life that existed prior to, and sometimes including, the start of the Holocene Epoch approximately 11,700 years ago. Paleontology involves the study of fossils, which are the remains or traces of organisms that lived in the past. Fossils can be in the form of casts, impressions, or even the organism itself preserved in rock. Paleontologists spend a significant portion of their time in the field during the summer months, especially in New Mexico, discovering new fossils. However, not all fossils are what they hope to find. For instance, Michael Habib and his team were hoping not to find a turtinosaur during their titanosaur project. Despite the unpredictability of fossil discoveries, paleontology remains a fascinating field that uncovers valuable insights about the history of life on Earth.
Discovering a Potential New Giant Dinosaur Species in North America: A recent fossil find could unveil a new North American titanosaur species, larger than African elephants, with some reaching 100 feet long and 60 tons. The discovery process includes formal naming and informal nicknames, while most dinosaur specimens remain stored for research.
A recent fossil discovery of two titanosaur specimens in North America could potentially reveal a new species of the largest land animals in history. These dinosaurs, which may include the largest dinosaur from North America, are significantly larger than African elephants, with some reaching up to 100 feet long and weighing over 60 tons. If this new species is identified, it will be formally named by the researchers involved. However, informal nicknames, like "Daisy and Duke," are often given to dinosaur specimens by students and can add a sense of personality to the research process. Despite the excitement surrounding this discovery, only a small fraction of the millions of specimens in museums are on display, with the rest stored for research purposes. The cost of excavating a dinosaur is not publicly disclosed, but it's safe to say that it's a complex and expensive process. Overall, this discovery highlights the ongoing fascination with dinosaurs and the importance of continued research and exploration in the field of paleontology.
Factors affecting the cost of a dinosaur expedition: From $10,000 to millions, expedition costs depend on employees, volunteers, supplies, transport, and accommodations. Historically, Deinonychus helped scientists understand dinosaur-bird connection.
The cost of a field season for a museum's dinosaur expedition can vary greatly, from less than $10,000 to potentially millions of dollars, depending on factors like the number of employees, volunteers, and the cost of supplies, transportation, and accommodations. Another intriguing fact discussed was the historical significance of the dinosaur Deinonychus, which was one of the first dinosaurs used in hypotheses about the origins of birds. This dinosaur, which means "terrible claw," was important historically because it helped scientists understand the connection between dinosaurs and birds. It's worth noting that all birds are technically dinosaurs, a fact that can be surprising to some people. Another lesser-known dinosaur mentioned was Changiraptor, a non-avian flying dinosaur with four wings and a long tail, which holds a special place in the speaker's heart due to their involvement in its discovery. Overall, the conversation highlighted the fascination and importance of dinosaur discoveries, as well as the ongoing process of scientific discovery and the occasional inaccuracies in popular media.
A fossilized dinosaur tail feather challenges our understanding of the brontosaurus: New discoveries in fossils can change our understanding of extinct species and highlight the importance of continuous research
The discovery of a fossilized dinosaur tail feather in a piece of amber, named Eva, provides an intriguing glimpse into the past. Despite its pristine appearance, the soft tissue and DNA within the feather would not be viable for cloning due to the long half-life of DNA and the degradation that occurs over millions of years. However, the discovery of Eva challenges our understanding of the brontosaurus, as recent research suggests that the original name may be valid once again. The discovery of new species hidden within previously identified fossils highlights the importance of continuous research and advancements in scientific knowledge. It's a reminder that even seemingly insignificant findings can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Additionally, a donation was made to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in honor of the show's listeners. As for the color of dinosaurs, while there have been advancements in the field, the exact colors are still a topic of ongoing research and debate.
Determining Dinosaur Colors and Taste: New findings reveal some dinosaur colors through preserved melanosomes in feathers, and they may have tasted like chicken due to myoglobin in their muscles.
Recent discoveries in paleontology have allowed scientists to determine some of the colors of dinosaurs based on the preservation of pigment-storing structures called melanosomes in fossilized feathers. Birds are considered descendants of dinosaurs, so they may have tasted similar to modern birds like chicken. The dark meat in dinosaurs is likely due to the presence of myoglobin, an oxygen-storing protein in aerobic muscles. When excavating fossils, researchers switch brushes based on the size and detail of the work, but not necessarily the size of the brush itself. Instead, they may use different tools like chisels for larger tasks. Brushing techniques are not as precise as painting, and the focus is on removing loose debris rather than individual grains of sand.
Careful handling and conservation of fossils: Paleontologists preserve and display fossils using various techniques, with a focus on minimizing damage and showcasing as much of the original material as possible.
The process of preserving and displaying fossils involves careful handling and conservation efforts, with the use of various techniques such as brushing, dental tools, and casting. Older museum exhibits may contain more original fossils due to less preservation concerns in the past, while newer exhibits may feature more casts and composites due to advancements in technology and preservation methods. The goal is to display as much of the original fossil as possible while minimizing damage, and scientists and artists play crucial roles in filling in the gaps when necessary. Overall, the job of a paleontologist is enjoyable, encompassing field work, research in museum collections, and teaching.
Following passions leads to unexpected discoveries: Stay curious, persistent, and take the first step towards your goals. Unexpected discoveries await!
Learning from this episode of Ologies is that following your passions can lead you to unexpected and fascinating places. Dr. Michael Habib, a vertebrate paleontologist, shared his journey from being bitten by a mosquito and discovering a dinosaur bone in his backyard to becoming a renowned expert in his field. He emphasized the importance of staying curious and persistent, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. Moreover, Alie Ward, the host of the podcast, encouraged listeners to start new projects despite feeling scared or uncertain. She reminded us that the hardest part is often just getting started, but once we do, the process becomes easier. In essence, this episode highlights the value of curiosity, determination, and taking the first step towards our goals. Whether it's studying dinosaurs or pursuing any other passion, the journey can be both rewarding and full of surprises. So, if you've been thinking about starting a new project or exploring a new interest, take inspiration from Dr. Habib and Alie Ward's words. Start small, be persistent, and enjoy the journey. Lastly, don't forget to check out the full credits and follow Dr. Michael Habib on his social media handles, which are listed in the show notes. And for more information about Alie Ward and her podcast, visit alieward.com/smologies.
