Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Dinosaurs/Answer Key"

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==1. What does the term dinosaur mean? Who used that term for the first time?== <!--T:3-->
 
 
The word Dinosaur is a Latinized combination of the Greek roots “''deinos''” [terrible] and “''sauros''” [lizard] - so the word means Terrible Lizard. Sir Richard Owen, a British anatomist and taxonomist, coined the term in the early 1840s after determining that a set of fossil bones he studied, including those of Iguanodon and Megalosaurus, were not lizards, but something uniquely different.
 
The word Dinosaur is a Latinized combination of the Greek roots “''deinos''” [terrible] and “''sauros''” [lizard] - so the word means Terrible Lizard. Sir Richard Owen, a British anatomist and taxonomist, coined the term in the early 1840s after determining that a set of fossil bones he studied, including those of Iguanodon and Megalosaurus, were not lizards, but something uniquely different.
  
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There are several common characteristics of dinosaurs that separate them from other reptiles. Dinosaurs are terrestrial, have an upright posture (as opposed to most reptiles with offset limbs), a strong knee and ankle joint, and were diapsids (have two openings in the skull behind the eyes) with an additional hole on each side of the skull in front of the eyes (the antorbital fenestrae) and a hole on each side of the lower jaw (the mandibular fenestrae).
 
There are several common characteristics of dinosaurs that separate them from other reptiles. Dinosaurs are terrestrial, have an upright posture (as opposed to most reptiles with offset limbs), a strong knee and ankle joint, and were diapsids (have two openings in the skull behind the eyes) with an additional hole on each side of the skull in front of the eyes (the antorbital fenestrae) and a hole on each side of the lower jaw (the mandibular fenestrae).
  
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==2. Discuss how scientists figure out what live dinosaurs may have looked like, considering that they may have had only a small number of bones / evidence to base their reasoning on.== <!--T:4-->
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<!-- 2. Discuss how scientists figure out what live dinosaurs may have looked like, considering that they may have had only a small number of bones / evidence to base their reasoning on. -->
 
One of the first steps in dinosaur reconstruction is comparative anatomy. Because bones often have analogous features, functions and articulation, paleontologists can make a first set of assumptions about the size, shape and gait of the dinosaur, even with only a small number of bones. Close investigation of bones can reveal signs of muscle attachment, which can further give shape to the dinosaur. Paleontologists also use comparative anatomy to see basic forms of animals in similar environments, using clues from the rock and other fossils around the dinosaur bones to infer a particular ecosystem, and looking at modern animals that live in similar ecosystems for potential models. In some cases, impressions of skin and feathers can offer some clues as to the external appearance. Although there is no fossilization of color, paleontologists can draw some inferences from patterns and colors in modern animals that live in similar ecosystems or have similar lifestyles.
 
One of the first steps in dinosaur reconstruction is comparative anatomy. Because bones often have analogous features, functions and articulation, paleontologists can make a first set of assumptions about the size, shape and gait of the dinosaur, even with only a small number of bones. Close investigation of bones can reveal signs of muscle attachment, which can further give shape to the dinosaur. Paleontologists also use comparative anatomy to see basic forms of animals in similar environments, using clues from the rock and other fossils around the dinosaur bones to infer a particular ecosystem, and looking at modern animals that live in similar ecosystems for potential models. In some cases, impressions of skin and feathers can offer some clues as to the external appearance. Although there is no fossilization of color, paleontologists can draw some inferences from patterns and colors in modern animals that live in similar ecosystems or have similar lifestyles.
  
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==3. Explain or discuss the following within a group or to an instructor.== <!--T:5-->
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===a. Why is the Tyrannosaurus Rex considered to have been the king of the dinosaurs?===
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The Tyrannosaurus rex was the top predator/consumer in its environment. Just as the Lion is the “King” in its modern environment, so too the T. rex and its likes were “King” species. The T. rex was particularly notable for its very large head/jaws which suggest significant biting power, and its large teeth. T. rex is found in Upper Cretaceous deposits in North America. The pictures below showcase the jaws and teeth of this king dinosaur.
 
The Tyrannosaurus rex was the top predator/consumer in its environment. Just as the Lion is the “King” in its modern environment, so too the T. rex and its likes were “King” species. The T. rex was particularly notable for its very large head/jaws which suggest significant biting power, and its large teeth. T. rex is found in Upper Cretaceous deposits in North America. The pictures below showcase the jaws and teeth of this king dinosaur.
  
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===b. What other dinosaurs are also considered dominate “king” species?=== <!--T:21-->
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===What other dinosaurs are also considered dominate “king” species?=== <!--T:3aa-->
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Other Tyrannosaurs are considered “King” species, such as the Albertosaurus and Tarbosaurus. The various Carnosaurs, such as Allosaurus (below) and Acrocanthosaurus (whose tracks can be seen in Texas), were also “King” species in their environments.
 
Other Tyrannosaurs are considered “King” species, such as the Albertosaurus and Tarbosaurus. The various Carnosaurs, such as Allosaurus (below) and Acrocanthosaurus (whose tracks can be seen in Texas), were also “King” species in their environments.
  
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===c. Why did dinosaurs lay eggs?=== <!--T:24-->
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Many modern reptiles are egg layers, as are modern birds, which according to evolutionists are related to the dinosaurs. Fossilized dinosaur eggs have been found, offering evidence that at least some of the dinosaurs were egg layers.
 
Many modern reptiles are egg layers, as are modern birds, which according to evolutionists are related to the dinosaurs. Fossilized dinosaur eggs have been found, offering evidence that at least some of the dinosaurs were egg layers.
  
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The dinosaur eggs below are from China, the first are Sauropod eggs (on display at the Melbourne Museum, Australia), the second are Hadrosaur eggs (on display at the Beijing Museum of Natural Science, China).
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The dinosaur eggs below are from China:
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SauropodEggs 7903 W.jpg|Sauropod eggs (on display at the Melbourne Museum, Australia)
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HadrosaurEggs 9021 W.jpg|Hadrosaur eggs (on display at the Beijing Museum of Natural Science, China)
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[[Image:HadrosaurEggs 9021 W.jpg|300px]]
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===d. What types of skin did dinosaurs likely have?  Give species examples of each.=== <!--T:28-->
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Although much rarer than fossilized bones, skin prints from dinosaurs have also been found in the fossil record. Many prints highlight bumpy skin, small or large non-overlapping scales and in some species bony plates. Hadrosaurs have some of the best preservation of skin prints, showing non-overlapping bumpy scales, sometimes nearly hexagonal in shape. Dinosaurs like Stegosaurus had bony plates on their skin, possibly for protection, thermoregulation, sexual advertising or a combination of the three. The Ankylosaur had osteoderms - bony projections and plates - embedded its its skin that provided a complete armor coating.
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Although much rarer than fossilized bones, skin prints from dinosaurs have also been found in the fossil record. Many prints highlight bumpy skin, small or large non-overlapping scales and in some species bony plates. Hadrosaurs have some of the best preservation of skin prints, showing non-overlapping bumpy scales, sometimes nearly hexagonal in shape. Dinosaurs like Stegosaurus had bony plates on their skin, possibly for protection, thermoregulation, sexual advertising or a combination of the three. The Ankylosaur had osteoderms - bony projections and plates - embedded in its skin that provided a complete armor coating.
  
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Below are three samples of fossilized Dinosaur skin, from left to right: Hadrosaur skin (displayed at the Melbourne Museum, Australia), Edmontosaurus skin, and Triceratops skin (the latter two displayed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science)
 
Below are three samples of fossilized Dinosaur skin, from left to right: Hadrosaur skin (displayed at the Melbourne Museum, Australia), Edmontosaurus skin, and Triceratops skin (the latter two displayed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science)
  
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===e. What are the sauropodomorphs?=== <!--T:31-->
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Dinosaurs are in general divided into two groups, the Ornithischians (“Bird-Hipped” dinosaurs), and the Saurischians (“Lizard-Hipped” dinosaurs). These groups are distinguished primarily by the differences in the arrangement of their pelvic bones.
  
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Dinosaurs are in general divided into two groups, the Ornithischians (“Bird-Hipped” dinosaurs), and the Saurischians (“Lizard-Hipped” dinosaurs). These groups are distinguished primarily by the differences in the arrangement of their pelvic bones.
 
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Each of these groups are further sub-divided based on otehr common characteristics. The Saurischians are divided into the Theropods (“Beast-Footed” Dinosaurs) such as Tyrannosaurus Rex and Deinonychus, which were primarily bipedal carnivores, and the Sauropodomorphs (“Lizard-Foot Form” Dinosaurs), which were primarily bipedal and quadrupedal herbivores. The Sauropodomorphs are further subdivided into the primarily bipedal Prosauropods and their much larger and well known cousins the Sauropods, which include the largest of the land animals, such as Diplodocus, Seismosaurus and Apatasaurus.
 
Each of these groups are further sub-divided based on otehr common characteristics. The Saurischians are divided into the Theropods (“Beast-Footed” Dinosaurs) such as Tyrannosaurus Rex and Deinonychus, which were primarily bipedal carnivores, and the Sauropodomorphs (“Lizard-Foot Form” Dinosaurs), which were primarily bipedal and quadrupedal herbivores. The Sauropodomorphs are further subdivided into the primarily bipedal Prosauropods and their much larger and well known cousins the Sauropods, which include the largest of the land animals, such as Diplodocus, Seismosaurus and Apatasaurus.
  
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The Ornithischians are divided into three subgroups: the Thyreophors (armored dinosaurs including the various Ankylosaurs and Stegasaurs), the Marginicephalians (which include the quadrupedal herbivore Ceratopsians like triceratops and the mostly bipedal dinosaurs with thickened skull bones like a helmet, the Pachycephalosaurs) and the Ornithopods (which include the smaller herbivores the Hypsilophodonts, and their larger cousins the Iguanodonts and Hadrosaurs).
 
The Ornithischians are divided into three subgroups: the Thyreophors (armored dinosaurs including the various Ankylosaurs and Stegasaurs), the Marginicephalians (which include the quadrupedal herbivore Ceratopsians like triceratops and the mostly bipedal dinosaurs with thickened skull bones like a helmet, the Pachycephalosaurs) and the Ornithopods (which include the smaller herbivores the Hypsilophodonts, and their larger cousins the Iguanodonts and Hadrosaurs).
  
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[[Image:Dinosaurtree.jpg|400px|A simplified dinosaur "family tree"]]
 
[[Image:Dinosaurtree.jpg|400px|A simplified dinosaur "family tree"]]
  
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===f. In which two groups are they divided?=== <!--T:36-->
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===In which two groups are they divided?=== <!--T:3dd-->
 
Sauropodomorphs are divided into two categories. The smaller prosauropods (“Before Lizard-Foot” Dinosaurs), were mostly herbivorous bipedal early dinosaurs from the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, including Saturnalia and Thecodontosaurus. The larger Sauropods (“Lizard-Foot” Dinosaurs) in some cases grew to massive size, and were characterized by long necks and tails, relatively small heads, primarily a quadrupedal gait, and a generally herbivorous diet. Sauropods include Apatasaurus (once called Brontosaurus), Brachiosaurus, and Saltasaurus.
 
Sauropodomorphs are divided into two categories. The smaller prosauropods (“Before Lizard-Foot” Dinosaurs), were mostly herbivorous bipedal early dinosaurs from the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, including Saturnalia and Thecodontosaurus. The larger Sauropods (“Lizard-Foot” Dinosaurs) in some cases grew to massive size, and were characterized by long necks and tails, relatively small heads, primarily a quadrupedal gait, and a generally herbivorous diet. Sauropods include Apatasaurus (once called Brontosaurus), Brachiosaurus, and Saltasaurus.
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===g. Why are marine and flying reptiles not considered dinosaurs? Give examples of these creatures===
 
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Dinosaurs are properly those animals included in the Superorder Dinosauria, a group of terrestrial reptiles characterized by their stance, by stronger ankle and knee joints, and by antorbital and mandibular fenestrae. Marine and flying reptiles come from different lines of reptiles.
 
  
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The flying reptiles (in the Order Pterosaurs, or “Winged Lizards”) pictured below beginning at the top left are: Rhamphorhynchus (Houston Museum of Natural Science), Pterodactylus (Houston Museum of Natural Science), Pteranodon sternbergi (Melbourne Museum, Australia), Anhanguera blittersdorffi (Melbourne Museum, Australia), Quetzalcoatlus northropi (Texas Memorial Museum), and Pteranodon ingens (American Museum of Natural History).
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Dinosaurs are properly those animals included in the Superorder Dinosauria, a group of terrestrial reptiles characterized by their stance, by stronger ankle and knee joints, and by antorbital and mandibular fenestrae. Marine and flying reptiles come from different lines of reptiles.
  
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The flying reptiles (in the Order Pterosaurs, or “Winged Lizards”)
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[[Image:Pterodactyl 1113 W.jpg|275px]]
 
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Image:Rhamphorhynchus 1017 W.jpg|Rhamphorhynchus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Image:Pterodactyl 1113 W.jpg|Pterodactylus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Image:Pteranodon 7975 W.jpg|Pteranodon sternbergi (Melbourne Museum, Australia)
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Image:Anhanguera 7977 W.jpg|Anhanguera blittersdorffi (Melbourne Museum, Australia)
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Image:Quetzalcoatlus 0910 W.jpg|Quetzalcoatlus northropi (Texas Memorial Museum)
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Image:Pteranodon ingens 4194 W.jpg|Pteranodon ingens (American Museum of Natural History)
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Marine reptiles are in several groups, including the Superorder Ichthyopterygia and the Superorder Sauropterygia. The marine reptiles pictured below, beginning top left, are two Plesiosaurs: Polyptychodon (Texas Memorial Museum), and Thalassomedon hanningtoni (American Museum of Natural History); two Mosasaurs: Plioplatecarpus (Houston Museum of Natural Science), and Mosasaurus maximus (Texas Memorial Museum); and two Ichtyosaurs: Ichthyosaur (Houston Museum of Natural Science), and Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Houston Museum of Natural Science).
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Marine reptiles are in several groups, including the Superorder Ichthyopterygia and the Superorder Sauropterygia. The marine reptiles pictured below, beginning from top left: two Plesiosaurs, two Mosasaurs, and two Ichtyosaurs.
  
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Image:Plesiosaur 0868 W.jpg|Polyptychodon (Texas Memorial Museum)
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Image:Thalassomedon hanningtoni 4189 W.jpg|Thalassomedon hanningtoni (American Museum of Natural History)
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Image:Mosasaur 1086 W.jpg|Plioplatecarpus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Image:Mosasaur 0847 W.jpg|Mosasaurus maximus (Texas Memorial Museum)
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Image:Ichthyosaur 1125 W.jpg|Ichthyosaur (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Image:Ichthyosaur 0971 W.jpg|Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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''You can combine your research for question 4 and 7. Rather than just a food chain (which is effectively a linear set of connections - a primary producer, a primary consumer, a secondary consumer, perhaps a tertiary consumer), consider a food pyramid (which provides several variations at the base, working up to fewer species at the higher levels - a closer representation to nature than a single line), or a food web, which highlights the complexity of ecological systems.''
  
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===a. Sauropods===
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means "lizard-footed", are an infraorder of saurischian ("lizard-hipped") dinosaurs. They had very long necks, long tails, small heads (relative to the rest of their body), and thick, pillar-like legs. They are notable for the enormous sizes attained by some species, and the group includes the largest animals to have ever lived on land. Sauropods below from top left include Apatosaurus louisae (Carnegie Museum), Barosaurus (American Museum of Natural History), and Diplodocus (Houston Museum of Natural Science).
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Means "lizard-footed", are an infraorder of saurischian ("lizard-hipped") dinosaurs. They had very long necks, long tails, small heads (relative to the rest of their body), and thick, pillar-like legs. They are notable for the enormous sizes attained by some species, and the group includes the largest animals to have ever lived on land.
  
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===b. Theropods=== <!--T:13-->
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Image:Louisae.jpg|Apatosaurus louisae (Carnegie Museum)
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Image:Barosaurus Allosaurus 4164 W.jpg|Barosaurus (American Museum of Natural History)
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Image:Diplodocus 5286 W.jpg|Diplodocus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Theropods were commonly bipedal, with a relatively large head and a counter-balancing tail. These were primarily carnivorous, and include the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
 
Theropods were commonly bipedal, with a relatively large head and a counter-balancing tail. These were primarily carnivorous, and include the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
  
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Examples of Teropods below, from top left: Allosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science), Tyrannosaurus rex (American Museum of Natural History), Tarbosaurus bataar (Melbourne Museum, Australia), Acrocanthosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science), a footprint of an Acrocanthosaurus (Dinosaur Valley State Park), and Deinonychus antirrhopus (Melbourne Museum, Australia).
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Examples of Teropods:
  
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Image:Allosaurus 1024 W.jpg|Allosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Image:Tyrannosaurus rex 4212 W.jpg|Tyrannosaurus rex (American Museum of Natural History)
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Image:Tarbosaurus 7907 W.jpg|Tarbosaurus bataar (Melbourne Museum, Australia)
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Image:Acrocanthosaurus 1032 W.jpg|Acrocanthosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
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Image:Acrocanthosaurus 0504 W.jpg|footprint of an Acrocanthosaurus (Dinosaur Valley State Park)
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Image:Deinonychus 7885 W.jpg|Deinonychus antirrhopus (Melbourne Museum, Australia)
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<!--T:47-->
+
<!--T:100-->
−
Ceratopsians (Marginocephalians) were primarily quadrapedal ornithischians, characterized by a bony frill at the back of the head, and often horns on the face.  
+
Ceratopsians (Marginocephalians) were primarily quadrapedal ornithischians, characterized by a bony frill at the back of the head, and often horns on the face.
  
−
<!--T:48-->
+
<!--T:101-->
−
Examples of Ceratopsians below, from upper left: Centrosaurus (Texas memorial Museum), Chasmosaurus mariscalensis (Texas Memorial Museum), Protoceratops andrewsi (Melbourne Museum, Australia), Psittacosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural History), and Triceratops (Houston Museum of Natural Science).
+
Examples of Ceratopsians below:
  
−
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+
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[[Image:Centrosaurus 0837 W.jpg|200px]]
+
<gallery mode="packed">
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[[Image:Chasmosaurus 0822 W.jpg|200px]]
+
Image:Centrosaurus 0837 W.jpg|Centrosaurus (Texas memorial Museum)
−
[[Image:Protoceratops 7896 W.jpg|275px]]
+
Image:Chasmosaurus 0822 W.jpg|Chasmosaurus mariscalensis (Texas Memorial Museum)
−
[[Image:Psittacosaurus 1030 W.jpg|275px]]
+
Image:Protoceratops 7896 W.jpg|Protoceratops andrewsi (Melbourne Museum, Australia)
−
[[Image:Triceratops 1069 W.jpg|275px]]
+
Image:Psittacosaurus 1030 W.jpg|Psittacosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural History)
 +
Image:Triceratops 1069 W.jpg|Triceratops (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
 +
</gallery>
  
−
===d. Ankylosaurs=== <!--T:50-->
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−
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The Ankylosaurs are one of the characteristic forms of the Thyreophors, or armored dinosaurs. They were low-slung, had various armored plates on their backs, and often had a club or other armored element on their tails. Other Thyreophors include the Stegosaurs, which had bony plats on their backs and spikes on their tails.
 
The Ankylosaurs are one of the characteristic forms of the Thyreophors, or armored dinosaurs. They were low-slung, had various armored plates on their backs, and often had a club or other armored element on their tails. Other Thyreophors include the Stegosaurs, which had bony plats on their backs and spikes on their tails.
  
−
<!--T:52-->
+
<!--T:105-->
−
Pictured below, from left to right, are Talarurus plicatospineus (Melbourne museum, Australia), Denversaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science), and Edmontonia rugosidens (American Museum of Natural History).
+
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+
Image:Talarurus 7899 W.jpg|Talarurus plicatospineus (Melbourne museum, Australia)
 +
Image:Denversaurus 1047 W.jpg|Denversaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
 +
Image:Edmontonia rugosidens 4215 W.jpg|Edmontonia rugosidens (American Museum of Natural History)
 +
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===e. Plesiosaurs=== <!--T:54-->
+
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−
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Plesiosaurs were marine reptiles, with an oval body, a long tail and neck, and flippered limbs.
 
Plesiosaurs were marine reptiles, with an oval body, a long tail and neck, and flippered limbs.
  
−
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+
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Below is a Plesiosaur mount at the Texas Memorial Museum.
+
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Image:Plesiosaur 0867 W.jpg|Plesiosaur mount at the Texas Memorial Museum
 +
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===f. Pterosaurs=== <!--T:58-->
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Pterosaurs were flying marine reptiles, with membraneous wings, frequently with short or minimal tails (though not always), and often with counterbalancing horns on their heads.
 
Pterosaurs were flying marine reptiles, with membraneous wings, frequently with short or minimal tails (though not always), and often with counterbalancing horns on their heads.
  
−
<!--T:60-->
+
<!--T:110-->
−
Below is Quezalcoatlus (Melbourne Museum, Australia), one of the larger Pterosaurs. Other Pterosaurs are pictured above.
+
Below is one of the larger Pterosaurs. Other Pterosaurs are pictured above.
  
−
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+
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[[Image:Quetzalcoatlus 7988 W.jpg|400px]]
+
<gallery mode="packed">
 +
Image:Quetzalcoatlus 7988 W.jpg|Quezalcoatlus (Melbourne Museum, Australia)
 +
</gallery>
  
−
==6. Individually or as a group, research and discuss/present the following:== <!--T:8-->
+
<!--T:6-->
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===a. Where the Bible speaks about the creation of the reptiles.===
+
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{{Bible verse
 
{{Bible verse
 
|book=Genesis
 
|book=Genesis
Line 207: Line 292:
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
<!--T:15-->
+
<!--T:114-->
 
There are a number of other Bible texts that mention reptiles.
 
There are a number of other Bible texts that mention reptiles.
  
−
===b. Evidences that dinosaurs really existed.=== <!--T:16-->
+
<!--T:6b-->
−
Fossils of dinosaurs have been discovered around the world. There are also fossilized dino footprints.
+
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===c. The appearance and disappearance of the dinosaurs according to the following theories:===
+
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====i. Evolutionist====
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====ii. Creationist====
+
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 +
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 +
Fossils of dinosaurs have been discovered around the world. There are also fossilized dinosaur footprints.
  
−
===d. What is the evidence that points to the death of the dinosaurs because of the flood?=== <!--T:17-->
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==7. Individually or as a group, choose a dinosaur and research size and possible distribution of these dinosaurs, where their fossils were found, their eating, nesting, and community habits, along with other interesting facts about them. Demonstrate your discovery by doing one of the following:== <!--T:9-->
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The Biblical Flood found in Genesis would explain how many dinosaurs could be quickly killed and buried to be preserved as fossils. If an animal dies and is not buried quickly under extreme conditions it does not usually fossilize. Even evolution believing scientists agree that dinosaurs were killed off in a global catastrophe. The big debate is when the catastrophe occurred.
 +
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<!-- 7. Individually or as a group, choose a dinosaur and research size and possible distribution of these dinosaurs, where their fossils were found, their eating, nesting, and community habits, along with other interesting facts about them. Demonstrate your discovery by doing one of the following: -->
 +
 +
<!--T:122-->
 
''You can work on this research when you investigate question 4. The purpose here is to do more than describe the basic characteristics of the dinosaur, but to consider them in a living environment, as you would with a modern extant animal. This requires study of the plant life, other dinosaurs and other animals that would have lived in the same area, and consider the way they they would have interacted.
 
''You can work on this research when you investigate question 4. The purpose here is to do more than describe the basic characteristics of the dinosaur, but to consider them in a living environment, as you would with a modern extant animal. This requires study of the plant life, other dinosaurs and other animals that would have lived in the same area, and consider the way they they would have interacted.
 
''
 
''
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===a. Write an essay of at least 150 words.=== <!--T:62-->
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<!-- 8. Make a collection of ten images of dinosaur fossils and identify the following: -->
  
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We provide some examples but searching natural history museum websites will yield good information as will searching Wikipedia. Be careful with the scientific estimations of the age of specimans which do not match God's Word. This should be discussed with Pathfinders studying dinosaurs.
 +
 
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==References== <!--T:133-->
 
''The Dino Database ([http://www.dinodatabase.com/dinowhre.asp]) has a list of museums in the United States that display dinosaurs. Although not necessarily a complete list, this provides a good start to find dinosaur fossils in your area. You may also consider contacting nearby universities, if there are no museums in your area.''  
 
''The Dino Database ([http://www.dinodatabase.com/dinowhre.asp]) has a list of museums in the United States that display dinosaurs. Although not necessarily a complete list, this provides a good start to find dinosaur fossils in your area. You may also consider contacting nearby universities, if there are no museums in your area.''  
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Latest revision as of 16:54, 3 January 2023

Other languages:
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Dinosaurs

Skill Level

1

Year

2012

Version

15.11.2024

Approval authority

General Conference

Dinosaurs AY Honor.png
Dinosaurs
Nature
Skill Level
123
Approval authority
General Conference
Year of Introduction
2012
See also
Naturalist Master Award
Zoology Master Award


1

What does the term dinosaur mean? Who used that term for the first time?


The word Dinosaur is a Latinized combination of the Greek roots “deinos” [terrible] and “sauros” [lizard] - so the word means Terrible Lizard. Sir Richard Owen, a British anatomist and taxonomist, coined the term in the early 1840s after determining that a set of fossil bones he studied, including those of Iguanodon and Megalosaurus, were not lizards, but something uniquely different.

There are several common characteristics of dinosaurs that separate them from other reptiles. Dinosaurs are terrestrial, have an upright posture (as opposed to most reptiles with offset limbs), a strong knee and ankle joint, and were diapsids (have two openings in the skull behind the eyes) with an additional hole on each side of the skull in front of the eyes (the antorbital fenestrae) and a hole on each side of the lower jaw (the mandibular fenestrae).


2

Discuss how scientists figure out what live dinosaurs may have looked like, considering that they may have had only a small number of bones / evidence to base their reasoning on.


One of the first steps in dinosaur reconstruction is comparative anatomy. Because bones often have analogous features, functions and articulation, paleontologists can make a first set of assumptions about the size, shape and gait of the dinosaur, even with only a small number of bones. Close investigation of bones can reveal signs of muscle attachment, which can further give shape to the dinosaur. Paleontologists also use comparative anatomy to see basic forms of animals in similar environments, using clues from the rock and other fossils around the dinosaur bones to infer a particular ecosystem, and looking at modern animals that live in similar ecosystems for potential models. In some cases, impressions of skin and feathers can offer some clues as to the external appearance. Although there is no fossilization of color, paleontologists can draw some inferences from patterns and colors in modern animals that live in similar ecosystems or have similar lifestyles.


3

Explain or discuss the following within a group or to an instructor.



3a

Why is the Tyrannosaurus Rex considered to have been the king of the dinosaurs? What other dinosaurs are also considered dominate “king” species?


The Tyrannosaurus rex was the top predator/consumer in its environment. Just as the Lion is the “King” in its modern environment, so too the T. rex and its likes were “King” species. The T. rex was particularly notable for its very large head/jaws which suggest significant biting power, and its large teeth. T. rex is found in Upper Cretaceous deposits in North America. The pictures below showcase the jaws and teeth of this king dinosaur.

  • TyrannosaurusRex 0886 W.jpg
  • TyrannosaurusRex 1065 W.jpg
  • Tyrannosaurus rex 4208 W.jpg

What other dinosaurs are also considered dominate “king” species?

Other Tyrannosaurs are considered “King” species, such as the Albertosaurus and Tarbosaurus. The various Carnosaurs, such as Allosaurus (below) and Acrocanthosaurus (whose tracks can be seen in Texas), were also “King” species in their environments.

  • Allosaurus fragilis 4204 W.jpg


3b

Why did dinosaurs lay eggs?


Many modern reptiles are egg layers, as are modern birds, which according to evolutionists are related to the dinosaurs. Fossilized dinosaur eggs have been found, offering evidence that at least some of the dinosaurs were egg layers.

The dinosaur eggs below are from China:

  • Sauropod eggs (on display at the Melbourne Museum, Australia)

  • Hadrosaur eggs (on display at the Beijing Museum of Natural Science, China)


3c

What types of skin did dinosaurs likely have? Give species examples of each.


Although much rarer than fossilized bones, skin prints from dinosaurs have also been found in the fossil record. Many prints highlight bumpy skin, small or large non-overlapping scales and in some species bony plates. Hadrosaurs have some of the best preservation of skin prints, showing non-overlapping bumpy scales, sometimes nearly hexagonal in shape. Dinosaurs like Stegosaurus had bony plates on their skin, possibly for protection, thermoregulation, sexual advertising or a combination of the three. The Ankylosaur had osteoderms - bony projections and plates - embedded in its skin that provided a complete armor coating.

Below are three samples of fossilized Dinosaur skin, from left to right: Hadrosaur skin (displayed at the Melbourne Museum, Australia), Edmontosaurus skin, and Triceratops skin (the latter two displayed at the Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • HadrosaurSkin 7888 W.jpg
  • EdmontosaurusSkin 1053 W.jpg
  • TriceratopsSkin 1064 W.jpg


3d

What are the sauropodomorphs? In which two groups are they divided?


Dinosaurs are in general divided into two groups, the Ornithischians (“Bird-Hipped” dinosaurs), and the Saurischians (“Lizard-Hipped” dinosaurs). These groups are distinguished primarily by the differences in the arrangement of their pelvic bones.

Each of these groups are further sub-divided based on otehr common characteristics. The Saurischians are divided into the Theropods (“Beast-Footed” Dinosaurs) such as Tyrannosaurus Rex and Deinonychus, which were primarily bipedal carnivores, and the Sauropodomorphs (“Lizard-Foot Form” Dinosaurs), which were primarily bipedal and quadrupedal herbivores. The Sauropodomorphs are further subdivided into the primarily bipedal Prosauropods and their much larger and well known cousins the Sauropods, which include the largest of the land animals, such as Diplodocus, Seismosaurus and Apatasaurus.

The Ornithischians are divided into three subgroups: the Thyreophors (armored dinosaurs including the various Ankylosaurs and Stegasaurs), the Marginicephalians (which include the quadrupedal herbivore Ceratopsians like triceratops and the mostly bipedal dinosaurs with thickened skull bones like a helmet, the Pachycephalosaurs) and the Ornithopods (which include the smaller herbivores the Hypsilophodonts, and their larger cousins the Iguanodonts and Hadrosaurs).

A simplified dinosaur "family tree"

In which two groups are they divided?

Sauropodomorphs are divided into two categories. The smaller prosauropods (“Before Lizard-Foot” Dinosaurs), were mostly herbivorous bipedal early dinosaurs from the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic, including Saturnalia and Thecodontosaurus. The larger Sauropods (“Lizard-Foot” Dinosaurs) in some cases grew to massive size, and were characterized by long necks and tails, relatively small heads, primarily a quadrupedal gait, and a generally herbivorous diet. Sauropods include Apatasaurus (once called Brontosaurus), Brachiosaurus, and Saltasaurus.


3e

Why are marine and flying reptiles not considered dinosaurs? Give examples of these creatures.


Dinosaurs are properly those animals included in the Superorder Dinosauria, a group of terrestrial reptiles characterized by their stance, by stronger ankle and knee joints, and by antorbital and mandibular fenestrae. Marine and flying reptiles come from different lines of reptiles.

The flying reptiles (in the Order Pterosaurs, or “Winged Lizards”)

  • Rhamphorhynchus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • Pterodactylus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • Pteranodon sternbergi (Melbourne Museum, Australia)

  • Anhanguera blittersdorffi (Melbourne Museum, Australia)

  • Quetzalcoatlus northropi (Texas Memorial Museum)

  • Pteranodon ingens (American Museum of Natural History)

Marine reptiles are in several groups, including the Superorder Ichthyopterygia and the Superorder Sauropterygia. The marine reptiles pictured below, beginning from top left: two Plesiosaurs, two Mosasaurs, and two Ichtyosaurs.

  • Polyptychodon (Texas Memorial Museum)

  • Thalassomedon hanningtoni (American Museum of Natural History)

  • Plioplatecarpus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • Mosasaurus maximus (Texas Memorial Museum)

  • Ichthyosaur (Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)



4

Individually or as a group, make a diagram of the food chain of the dinosaurs. Who is supposed to be at the top of the chain? What is the purpose of this dinosaur?


You can combine your research for question 4 and 7. Rather than just a food chain (which is effectively a linear set of connections - a primary producer, a primary consumer, a secondary consumer, perhaps a tertiary consumer), consider a food pyramid (which provides several variations at the base, working up to fewer species at the higher levels - a closer representation to nature than a single line), or a food web, which highlights the complexity of ecological systems.

  • Cadena.jpg
  • Cadena4.jpg


5

Identify by description and sketches/drawings each of the following species of dinosaurs:



5a

Sauropods


Means "lizard-footed", are an infraorder of saurischian ("lizard-hipped") dinosaurs. They had very long necks, long tails, small heads (relative to the rest of their body), and thick, pillar-like legs. They are notable for the enormous sizes attained by some species, and the group includes the largest animals to have ever lived on land.

  • Apatosaurus louisae (Carnegie Museum)

  • Barosaurus (American Museum of Natural History)

  • Diplodocus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)


5b

Theropods


Theropods were commonly bipedal, with a relatively large head and a counter-balancing tail. These were primarily carnivorous, and include the Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Examples of Teropods:

  • Allosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • Tyrannosaurus rex (American Museum of Natural History)

  • Tarbosaurus bataar (Melbourne Museum, Australia)

  • Acrocanthosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • footprint of an Acrocanthosaurus (Dinosaur Valley State Park)

  • Deinonychus antirrhopus (Melbourne Museum, Australia)


5c

Ceratopsians


Ceratopsians (Marginocephalians) were primarily quadrapedal ornithischians, characterized by a bony frill at the back of the head, and often horns on the face.

Examples of Ceratopsians below:

  • Centrosaurus (Texas memorial Museum)

  • Chasmosaurus mariscalensis (Texas Memorial Museum)

  • Protoceratops andrewsi (Melbourne Museum, Australia)

  • Psittacosaurus (Houston Museum of Natural History)

  • Triceratops (Houston Museum of Natural Science)


5d

Ankylosaurs


The Ankylosaurs are one of the characteristic forms of the Thyreophors, or armored dinosaurs. They were low-slung, had various armored plates on their backs, and often had a club or other armored element on their tails. Other Thyreophors include the Stegosaurs, which had bony plats on their backs and spikes on their tails.

  • Talarurus plicatospineus (Melbourne museum, Australia)

  • Denversaurus (Houston Museum of Natural Science)

  • Edmontonia rugosidens (American Museum of Natural History)


5e

Plesiosaurs


Plesiosaurs were marine reptiles, with an oval body, a long tail and neck, and flippered limbs.

  • Plesiosaur mount at the Texas Memorial Museum


5f

Pterosaurs


Pterosaurs were flying marine reptiles, with membraneous wings, frequently with short or minimal tails (though not always), and often with counterbalancing horns on their heads.

Below is one of the larger Pterosaurs. Other Pterosaurs are pictured above.

  • Quezalcoatlus (Melbourne Museum, Australia)



6

Individually or as a group, research and discuss/present the following:



6a

Where the Bible speaks about the creation of the reptiles.



20 And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” 21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” 23 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day. 24 And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.
— Genesis 1:20-25 (NIV)

There are a number of other Bible texts that mention reptiles.


6b

Evidences that dinosaurs really existed.


Fossils of dinosaurs have been discovered around the world. There are also fossilized dinosaur footprints.


6c

The appearance and disappearance of the dinosaurs according to the following theories:



i

Evolutionist



ii

Creationist




6d

What is the evidence that points to the death of the dinosaurs because of the flood?


The Biblical Flood found in Genesis would explain how many dinosaurs could be quickly killed and buried to be preserved as fossils. If an animal dies and is not buried quickly under extreme conditions it does not usually fossilize. Even evolution believing scientists agree that dinosaurs were killed off in a global catastrophe. The big debate is when the catastrophe occurred.



7

Individually or as a group, choose a dinosaur and research size and possible distribution of these dinosaurs, where their fossils were found, their eating, nesting, and community habits, along with other interesting facts about them. Demonstrate your discovery by doing one of the following:


You can work on this research when you investigate question 4. The purpose here is to do more than describe the basic characteristics of the dinosaur, but to consider them in a living environment, as you would with a modern extant animal. This requires study of the plant life, other dinosaurs and other animals that would have lived in the same area, and consider the way they they would have interacted.

7a

Write an essay of at least 150 words.



7b

Make a display chart or poster with descriptions, drawings and images.



7c

Make a short video or presentation with descriptions, drawing/sketches, images and sound.




8

Make a collection of ten images of dinosaur fossils and identify the following:



8a

Name



8b

Place where the fossil was found



8c

Year of discovery



8d

General characteristics


We provide some examples but searching natural history museum websites will yield good information as will searching Wikipedia. Be careful with the scientific estimations of the age of specimans which do not match God's Word. This should be discussed with Pathfinders studying dinosaurs.




References

The Dino Database ([1]) has a list of museums in the United States that display dinosaurs. Although not necessarily a complete list, this provides a good start to find dinosaur fossils in your area. You may also consider contacting nearby universities, if there are no museums in your area.

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