Hunting for dinosaurs showed me our place in the universe | Kenneth Lacovara

Summary

In this captivating exploration of paleontology, the speaker reveals the formula for finding dinosaur fossils: locate rocks of the right age, made of sedimentary material, and exposed naturally. The process involves understanding geological history and using maps to pinpoint fossil-rich locations. The speaker shares the discovery of *Dreadnoughtus schrani*, a massive plant-eating dinosaur, emphasizing the remarkable nature of paleontological discoveries. Reflecting on the impermanence of life and the sixth extinction caused by humans, the speaker urges action to preserve the planet, contrasting the inevitable demise of dinosaurs with the choice humans now face.

Takeaways

• 😀 The formula for finding dinosaur fossils involves three key elements: rocks of the right age, sedimentary rocks, and naturally exposed layers.
• 😀 Trilobites can only be found in ancient Paleozoic rocks, while dinosaurs are found in younger Mesozoic rocks, specifically between 235 and 66 million years ago.
• 😀 Earth's history is recorded in layers of rock, but geological processes make it difficult to interpret; most of the records are incomplete due to destructive forces like compression and erosion.
• 😀 The Earth's geological history has no inherent order, and humans had to develop the concept of geological time and maps to understand it.
• 😀 By the early 19th century, advances like James Hutton's 'Theory of the Earth' and William Smith's geological maps allowed scientists to predict where certain rocks and fossils might be found.
• 😀 To find fossils, paleontologists often go to desert regions where erosion naturally exposes rock layers and bones, despite the fact that dinosaurs lived in diverse environments.
• 😀 When you are in the right conditions, it's almost guaranteed that fossils will be found, but the real challenge is finding something scientifically significant.
• 😀 Finding a new species of dinosaur, like *Dreadnoughtus schrani*, often involves exploring remote, little-explored regions, increasing the chances of significant discoveries.
• 😀 The *Dreadnoughtus* was a massive dinosaur, weighing 65 tons and measuring 85 feet in length, demonstrating the diversity and scale of life in the Mesozoic era.
• 😀 Understanding the improbable nature of our existence is key: had the asteroid not wiped out the dinosaurs, mammals—and eventually humans—might not have evolved as we know them.
• 😀 The extinction of the dinosaurs, although a cataclysmic event, was an example of how the smallest changes or events in Earth's history can have immense, far-reaching consequences.

Q & A

What is the formula for finding fossils, according to the speaker?

The formula for finding fossils involves three key factors: 1) Finding rocks of the right age, 2) Ensuring the rocks are sedimentary, and 3) The rocks must be naturally exposed.

Why are rocks of the right age crucial for finding fossils?

Rocks of the right age are essential because organisms only existed during specific geological periods. To find fossils of particular species, you must locate rocks from the era when those species lived.

What types of rocks cannot contain fossils?

Fossils cannot be found in igneous rocks, such as granite, because they are formed from magma, nor in metamorphic rocks, which are altered by heat and pressure.

What makes a desert an ideal location for fossil hunting?

Deserts are ideal because they typically have minimal plant cover, allowing for clear exposure of rocks. Additionally, erosion constantly exposes new fossils on the surface.

What are some of the challenges geologists face when studying Earth's rock record?

Geologists face challenges such as the destruction and alteration of rock layers due to geological processes like folding, compression, and erosion. This makes Earth’s rock record incomplete and difficult to interpret.

How did James Hutton and William Smith contribute to the field of geology?

James Hutton’s 'Theory of the Earth' introduced the idea that Earth’s processes are ongoing and cyclical, while William Smith created the first geological map of Britain, enabling predictive insights into the location of various rock types.

What role did the fossilized remains of 'Dreadnoughtus' play in understanding dinosaur life?

The discovery of 'Dreadnoughtus' provided insight into the life of massive herbivorous dinosaurs. It showed how such creatures evolved specialized features like a long neck for efficient feeding and a stable, wide gait to prevent injury from falling.

What is the significance of the name 'Dreadnoughtus'?

'Dreadnoughtus' translates to 'fears nothing,' reflecting the idea that these large herbivorous dinosaurs were formidable creatures, much like modern-day animals such as rhinos or hippos, capable of being territorial and dangerous.

What is the current environmental crisis the speaker refers to?

The speaker refers to the ongoing environmental disaster, which he describes as the 'sixth extinction.' Unlike the dinosaurs, humans have the ability to see the crisis coming and can choose to address it.

How does the speaker reflect on the role of chance in Earth’s history?

The speaker reflects that Earth’s history, including the rise of humans, is the result of a series of improbable events, such as the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. If these events had not happened, life on Earth might have taken a completely different path.