Sauropods: Titans of the Mesozoic

Explore the fascinating world of sauropod dinosaurs in this 39-minute lecture by Cary Woodruff, Ph.D. student at the University of Toronto. Delve into the factors that allowed these massive creatures to dominate as terrestrial herbivores during the Mesozoic Era. Learn about sauropod feeding habits, growth patterns, and unique anatomical features. Discover the largest known sauropods, their presence in Canada, and comparisons to other prehistoric animals. Examine the intriguing biomechanics of sauropod necks, including the "suspension bridge" concept and the "central pivot irrigator" model. Investigate sauropod life history, from eggs to adulthood, through the lens of histology. Gain insights into skull structures, tooth morphology, and feeding adaptations that contributed to their success. This comprehensive talk covers various aspects of sauropod paleobiology, offering a deep understanding of these titans of the Mesozoic.