The Organization Of The Dinosaur Halls
The Museums dinosaur exhibits are organized to reflect evolutionary relationships, and a walk through the exhibition halls is like a walk along the trunk, branches, and twigs of the evolutionary tree for
A thick black line on the floor, which starts in this hall and continues through the Hall of Vertebrate Origins, the the , the , and the , denotes the trunk of this tree.
Explore the Museum’s world-famous dinosaur fossil collection on this .
Branching points along the main path that represent the evolution of new anatomical features, such as the hole in the center of the hip socket. At each branching point, visitors can walk off the main path to explore alcoves containing a group of closely related dinosaurs.
were an extremely diverse group of plant-eating sauropsids . Many had complex and often bizarre adaptations for defense, display, feeding, and locomotion. The group includes armored dinosaurs, such as Stegosaurus and Anklyosaurus duckbills and their relatives and the horned and dome-headed dinosaurs, such as Triceratops and Pachycephalosaurus.
include the giant plant-eating sauropods and the carnivorous theropods. This hall features the imposing mounts of Tyrannosaurus rex and Apatosaurus. The saurischian hand is the key to the group’s remarkable history. Saurischians are characterized by grasping hands, in which the thumb is offset from the other fingers.
D. Finnin/© AMNH
What Is A Fossil
A fossil is any evidence of prehistoric life that is at least 10,000 years old. The most common fossils are bones and teeth, but fossils of footprints and skin impressions exist as well. Fossils are excavated from many environments, including ancient riverbeds and lakes, caves, volcanic ash falls, and tar pits. Fossils are classified as either body fossils or trace fossils. Body fossils were parts of the organism, such as bones or teeth. Trace fossils are all other types of fossils, including foot impressions, burrows, and dung.
Miriam And Ira D Wallach Orientation Center
The introduces visitors to key concepts presented in the Museums fourth-floor fossil halls, which display 600 fossil specimensincluding more than 250 mammal fossil specimens and approximately 100 dinosaur fossil specimens. Eighty-five percent of specimens are actual fossils, as opposed to casts or reproductions. It is also home to the life-sized cast of a 122-foot-long sauropod dinosaur Patagotitan mayorum discovered in 2014.
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Are The Dinosaur Fossils On Display Real
About 75% of the more than 230 objects on display are original fossils from one of the finest paleontological collections in the world, and most of the exhibitions dinosaur skeletons are real, not replicas. Several of these skeletonsincluding those of the iconic dinosaurs Apatosaurus louisae, Diplodocus carnegii, and Tyrannosaurus rexare holotypes, the original specimens upon which their respective species are based.
In the many decades since the discovery of Diplodocus, scientific interpretations of dinosaurs and their lifestyles have changed dramatically. This exhibition uses up-to-date paleontological evidencemuch of which has been provided by the museums own scientiststo accurately reconstruct the appearance and behavior of these colossal creatures.
For instance, we now know that Apatosaurus and Diplodocus did not spend their lives wallowing in swamps and that predatory dinosaurs such as T. rex walked with their tails held off the ground and their backs horizontal. The three-horned Triceratops may have used its famous headgear more for display than for fighting, whereas some theropod dinosaurs would have closely resembled their modern descendantsmodern birds.
Exclusive Content For Our Guests
Here at NCMNS, we have a real-life monster hunter on staff! Our Research Curator of Paleontology, Dr. Christian Kammerer, has traveled the globe in search of Permian fossils, uncovering several rare specimens along the way. Prominent finds include an unusual-looking carnivore whose face was covered in bony knobs, a tiny insect-eater that could fit in the palm of your hand, and a bulbous herbivore that may or may not be named after a famous Pokémon.
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The Nature Of Science Explicit Work
Explore how the Nature of Science informs the presentation of the Beneski Museum of Natural History onsite, online, and during programming.
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In 2018 the Museum in partnered with the Amherst College Science Center to employ the Seven Tenets of the Nature of Science . Below, each tenet is detailed and explained showing how it is intrinsic to the educational philosophy of the Beneski Museum. In all programming and educational materials, the museum hopes to convey to visitors not only the vast collection of scientific knowledge , but also the process and understanding of the Nature of Science itself . Additionally the museum wishes to help improve scientific literacy, inspiring in visitors a desire to learn and explore, and empowering them to push the frontier of what is possible.
Creativity – Being creative is necessary to understand scientific research in novel and interesting ways.
The sciences and humanities interact more than most people think. Science is not possible without imagination. In every stage of the process, from idea to experiment, creativity drives inspiration and innovation. Science is also often abstract, and thinking outside the box helps us wrap our heads around complex concepts. When science and arts intersect, we achieve the most progress.
Curiosity – Beginners and long-time scientists must remain curious to understand science.
History Of The Collections
The extensive and diverse collections at the Beneski Museum are the result of the work of faculty, students and alumni over the course of the Colleges history, derived from expeditions, donations and exchanges.
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The physical and biological sciences have been a vital part of the Amherst College curriculum from the time of its founding 1821. Providing natural history specimens for direct hands-on study has been an integral component of teaching, learning and research in the sciences ever since.Five Amherst professors in particular helped shape the museums collection into what it is today:
Edward Hitchcock
Edward Hitchcock joined the College faculty in 1825. He had wide-ranging interests and the dynamic energy to execute numerous scientific investigations and ensuing publications. Hitchcock encouraged alumni to send back scientific specimens from all over the world, no doubt spurred by his own excursions collecting geologic and fossil specimens from local sites in the Connecticut River Valley. One of his collections, the Hitchcock Ichnology Collection , continues to be among the world’s largest and most studied collections of fossil dinosaur tracks.
Charles Upham Shepard and Benjamin K. Emerson
Frederic Brewster Loomis and Albert E. Wood
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Where Are Fossils Found
Fossils are found almost exclusively in sedimentary rocksrocks that form when sand, silt, mud, and organic material settle out of water or air to form layers that are then compacted into rock. So in looking for non-avian dinosaur fossils in particular, paleontologists look for outcrops of sedimentary rocks that formed during the Mesozoic Era , the geologic time period when non-avian dinosaurs lived. Scientists typically search in regions where little vegetation covers the surface of the ground, so that any fossil fragments weathering out of the sedimentary rock layers can be more easily seen. These regions of barren ridges and ravines are often referred to as badlands.
In order to find appropriate Mesozoic, sedimentary rock layers, paleontologists often use geologic maps, which show the kinds of rock layers of different geologic ages that are exposed on Earths surface in different regions. Once appropriate rock layers are found, the search for dinosaur fossils can begin with a reasonable hope of finding the kinds of dinosaurs one is searching for. And other kinds of fossils are often serendipitously discovered during the search.
Meet A New Breed Of Beast
This temporary exhibition is now closed. To learn more about the dinosaurs of our region, visit Fossil Mysteries.
Cutting-edge, 21st century technology puts a new twist on new breed of dinosaurs that evolved in isolation in South America, Africa, and Madagascar in Ultimate Dinosaurs. Through the use of augmented reality technology, full-scale dinosaurs are transformed into flesh-covered, animated beasts. This same technology allows visitors to see how the continental drift altered the landscape of the ancient world, setting the stage for the evolution of these amazing creatures.
Feel the exciting and intimidating presence of these exotic creatures as you wander among 16 life-size dinosaur skeletons and as well as a variety of other intriguing dinosaur skulls and bones, all from numerous locations in the Southern Hemisphere. From the tiny Eoraptor to the massive Giganotosaurus , Ultimate Dinosaurs is a fascinating display of prehistoric species you havent met before.
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Memenchasaurus Inside And Out
And when these three small children turned the corner and saw the Memenchasaurus, they were blown away. The Memenchasaurus is the centerpiece of the exhibit, not technically the biggest dino ever, but she takes up most of the room in this exhibit. She is a full scale model with the whole left side exposed to receive images from a projection screen suggesting what her insides might have looked like. Seats are arranged so that visitors can take in the show. We didnt stop for thisthis preschool power trio of mine doesn’t stop for muchand it seemed tailored for older children and adults. So we headed out of the room and straight for the dig. I mean, to Paradise.
What Is A Dinosaur
Dinosaurs are prehistoric reptiles that have lived on Earth from about 245 million years ago to the present. Modern birds are one kind of dinosaur because they share a common ancestor with non-avian dinosaurs.
Non-avian dinosaurs , which are now extinct, varied greatly in shape and size. Some weighed as much as 80 tons and were more than 120 feet long. Others were the size of a chicken and weighed as little as 8 pounds. All non-avian dinosaurs lived on land. Some may have gone into the swamps and lakes for food, but they did not live entirely in water. Meat-eaters walked on two legs and hunted alone or in groups. Plant-eaters walked on either two or four legs and grazed on plants.
The feature that distinguishes dinosaurs from other reptiles is a hole in the hip socket, which allowed dinosaurs to walk upright. Pterosaurs, or flying reptiles, and plesiosaurs, ocean-dwelling reptiles, did not have this feature and were not dinosaurs.
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The World’s Largest Dinosaurs: The Exhibit
This exhibit highlights the sauropods, a species of dinosaur that grew to be, well, huge. HUGE. But the paleontologists behind this exhibit have chosen to focus not just on size but on the biology of these titans as well. How did they grow so fast and so very big? How did they support that long neck? How did their heart, their lungs, their digestive system work to support such an enormous creature? The exhibit answers all of these questions and more.
The World’s Largest Dinosaurs is, ironically, a small exhibit, spanning three rooms. It offers opportunities to touch and interact, and it demonstrates in many clever ways the difference in scale between the sauropods and any living thing that walks the earth today.
Now, I was traveling with a toddler and two preschoolers. They are all dinosaur enthusiasts, to say the least, but much of the biology was lost on them. I’m not sure they are even capable of understanding the significance of the difference in scale between the eggs of a modern day bird versus a sauropod . But that is okay: There was plenty of WOW when they walked in and saw the Argentinosaurus head at ceiling height above them.
Toronto Museums And Historical Sites
Plenty to see in Toronto. What’s your favourite? Below is a list of Toronto Museums
Royal Ontario Museum
The ROM, located at the corner of Bloor St and Queen’s Park Ave, is Canada’s largest museum. Its exhibits and galleries explore the visual arts, archaeology, the life sciences and natural history. Admission price ranges from to .The main building is open from 10am – 6pm Mon to Sat till 8pm Tues 11am-6pm on Sun. The museum is closed Dec. 25 & Jan 1. Tel: 416 586-8000 Address: 100 Queen’s Park Toronto ON M5S 2C6
Exhibits of horse-drawn vehicles, railway cars, pioneer homes are just some of the attractions which cover 25 acres. Tel: 1 905 294-4576 Fax: 1 905 294-4590 Directions: W side of Hwy 48, 2 km N of Hwy 7 Address: 9350 Hwy 48 Markham ON L3P 3J3
Hockey Hall of Fame
The hall of fame for the National Hockey League is located in BCE Place downtown Toronto. See over 100 years of hockey history. The Hockey hall of fame has lots of fun interactive games to play and is the resting place for the leagues major trophies and awards, including the Stanley Cup! Tel: 416-360-7735 , Address: 30 Yonge St. At Front St. W. Toronto, Ontario M5E 1X8 Canada
Fort York
Founded in 1793 by Lt.-Governor John Graves Simcoe to construct and guard his new capital, the fort is the birthplace of modern Toronto.Admission: Adults – ., Seniors & Students – .25, Children – .Tel: 416-392-6907, Address: 100 Garrison Road, Toronto, ON. M5V 3K9.
Spadina Colborne Lodge Mackenzie House Montgomery’s Inn
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San Diego Natural History Museum
Explore the natural wonders, both past and present of Southern California
Monday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday: Closed Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The real world: it sure can be real interesting. Explore the natural history of Southern Californiafrom past to presentat the San Diego Natural History Museum . From rattlesnakes and flesh-eating beetles, to dinosaurs and fossils, to historic archives and art, theres something for every type of nature nerd here at the home of one the oldest biological research centers in the region. Visitors will be impressed by the unique, interactive exhibitions that span across five floors. The museum features a giant-screen theater with daily showings, as well as rotating exhibitions that bring nature to life.
Life Before Dinosaurs Store
Shop unique gifts inspired by the Permian Period and our love of paleontology. Select from special exhibition mementos, prehistoric plush, amber jewelry, brilliant minerals, elegant home décor, engaging toys and books, handmade gifts by local artists and more. Museum Members save 10%. All purchases support Museum exhibits, programs and collections.
Shop in person on the 2nd floor of the Nature Exploration Center or online at store.naturalsciences.org. Shipping and curbside pickup available.
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How Are Dinosaur Fossils Discovered And Collected
To find fossils, paleontologists conduct expeditions to regions around the world where fossils are likely to be found. To be successful, this fieldwork requires considerable funding and careful planning. Each trip is designed to try and find fossils that will shed new light on particular research questions. Often, scientists choose destinations for their field work in regions where fossils have already been found, but if not, geologic maps and satellite photos are used to identify areas where rocks of the right age and ancient environment are exposed on the surface.
To find fossils, paleontologists first carry out an operation called prospecting, which involves slowly hiking across ridges and through ravines, while keeping one’s eyes focused on the ground in hopes of finding fragments of fossils weathering out on the surface. Commonly, one covers 5 to 10 miles in a day while prospecting. Once a fossil fragment is found, the collector brushes away the loose dirt on the surface to see whether more of the specimen is buried in the ground. If so, quarrying is initiated to collect the fossil. First, awls, rock hammers, chisels, and other tools are used to remove the rock covering the bones to see how much of the skeleton is present. As fossil bone is exposed, special glue is applied to the cracks and fractures to hold the fossil together.
The Discovery Of Dinosaur Eggs
One of the greatest highlights of the American Museum of Natural Historys expedition to Central Asia occurred in 1923 at the Flaming Cliffs of Mongolia. It involved the discovery of eggs that, after first analysis, were thought to belong to the dinosaur Protoceratops. Roy Chapman Andrews, the leader of the expedition and future director of the Museum, described the scene in his field notes:
On July 13, George Olsen reported at tiffin that he had found some fossil eggs…We felt quite certain that his so-called eggs would prove to be…geological phenomena. Nevertheless, we were all curious enough to go with him to inspect his find. We saw a small sandstone ledge, beside which were lying three eggs partly brokenThe brown striated shell was so egg-like that there could be no mistake. Granger finally said, No dinosaur eggs have ever been found, but the reptile probably did lay eggs. These must be dinosaur eggs. They cant be anything else. The prospect was thrilling, but we would not let ourselves think of it too seriously, and continued to criticize the supposition from every possible standpoint. But finally we had to admit that eggs are eggs, and that we could make them out to be nothing else. It was evident that dinosaurs did lay eggs and that we had discovered the first specimens known to science.”
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Permian Monsters Lecture Series
Enjoy a series of scientific talks on the diversity of the Permian Period and factors that led to the mass extinction. Each month, we will feature a presentation from a renowned scientist and an evening viewing of the special exhibition . Tickets are $10 per lecture. Add an exhibition ticket and receive $5 off admission to Life Before Dinosaurs. With media support from WUNC, North Carolina Public Radio.
, California Academy of Sciences