Overview
Explore the fascinating world of small dinosaurs in this 40-minute lecture from the Royal Tyrrell Museum Speaker Series. Delve into new evidence from Alberta fossils as Caleb Brown from the University of Toronto discusses the preservation and diversity of these diminutive prehistoric creatures. Learn about size distribution models, taphonomic indices, and the challenges of discovering and describing small dinosaur species. Gain insights into the historical perspective of dinosaur diversity and mass, with a focus on the rich fossil deposits found in Dinosaur Park. Understand how measuring dinosaur size contributes to our understanding of prehistoric ecosystems and the importance of taphonomic modes in fossil preservation.
Syllabus
Introduction
Size Distribution
The Model
Dinosaur Park
Dinosaur Diversity
Measuring Dinosaur Size
Taphonomic Indices
Stegosaurus
Taphonomic Mode
Discovery and Description
Diversity and Mass
Historical Perspective
Taught by
Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology