09/29/09; Dinosaur Lab

What Were Dinosaurs Really Like?
Through an exploration of different aspects regarding dinosaurs we were able to piece together a more accurate picture of dinosaurs.
In class we received a packet to correspond to eight different lab stations mimicking tasks that paleontologists perform by examining evidence of dinosaurs.

Station 1; Examination of the Egg
By comparing the egg shells of two dinosaurs; a Saltasaurus and a Troodon, you were able to see differences between the shells of carnivores and herbivores. I discovered that carnivores had a more smooth texture and a thinner shell than an herbivore.
Additionally, we viewed bird and reptile shells under a microscope. The bird shell was similar to one of a dinosaur's egg cell due to its texture and thickness.

Station 2; Examination of Bone

Many paleontologists have the difficult task of deciphering between stone and bones. Dinosaur bones had to be buried in moist ground so that the mineral-carrying waters would quickly replace lost tissue, and then fossilization would result. Finally, the fossilized remains had to be uncovered by the erosive forces of wind and water. (Packet from class).

Station 3; Comparison of Tyrannosaurus Rex vs. Stegosaurus

By comparing these two dinosaurs you are essentially acknowledging the differences between an carnivore and herbivore. To do so you need to pay close attention to each characteristic of the body including; eyes and nose placement, brain capacity, forearms, body balance and physical protection from prey.

Station 4; Assembling an Archaeopteryx

This creature is of special interest to paleontologists because it is considered a transitional species from reptile to bird. By assembling the skeletal body of the creature you are able to notice the teeth and bony tail (corresponding with a reptile) and the other features relative to a bird. (Packet from class.)

Station 5; Comparison of Amber vs. Meteorite
Amber can ooze down trees, as well as fill in fissures, trapping debris such as seeds, leaves, feathers and insects. You can assume how helpful this is in preservation of such things.
Meteorites can be dated back to the formation of Earth and the other seven planets. When the solar system was young it was said that thousands of small planets orbited the sun and over time collided with each other resulting in the planets. However, at times the collisions resulted in fragmentation and the pieces are still orbiting the Earth. (Packet from class.)

Station 6; Examination of Other Evidence

A very small amount of evidence of dinosaurs exists so paleontologists turn to other resources to determine their existence.
Tracks; helps determine the lifestyle, and size of the dinosaur
Gastroliths; stomach rocks to help determine diet
Coprolites; waste products of dinosaurs to help determine the size and diet of the dinosaur

Station 7; Inferences

Inferences make guessed of judgments or draw conclusions based on observations. They can help researches decide how the dinosaurs looked, moved, ate, and their interaction with their environment. These are different from observations which simply report what one sees or measures. (Packet from class.)

Station 8; Comparison of Dinosaurs Skeletal Frame vs. Pictures
Dinosaurs were divided into two primary groups; Saurischia ("lizard hips") and Ornithischia ("bird hips"). The group divisions are mainly based off the pelvic structure. In the saurischian dinosaurs the three pelvic bones radiate in different directions from the hip socket, as occurs in most other reptiles. In the pelvis of the orithischian dinosaurs the pubis is parallel to the ischium, a feature seen in birds. (Packet from class.)

We will be given more time in class to complete the data charts, and the analytical questions.

Andrew, you're up!