03/20/2024
Ep #72 The Incredible Cretaceous Ceratopsians of Laramidia with Scott Sampson
Ray and Dave double down with celebrated paleontologist, science communicator, and author, Scott Sampson. He’s the Executive Director of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California and is widely known as "Dr. Scott the paleontologist" on the PBS television series, Dinosaur Train
Ep 72 Paleo Nerds with Scott Sampson
LINKS
Scott Sampson’s office, the California Academy of Sciences
Home of Scott Sampson, this San Francisco museum is world-renowned for its science exhibits, aquarium, planetarium, and commitment to research and education.
CalAcademy, the most sustainable museum on our planet
An overview of how the California Academy of Sciences set global standards for sustainability, from its living roof to innovative energy systems.
Dr. Scott on PBS's Dinosaur Train
Scott Sampson’s beloved children’s program uses dinosaurs and time travel adventures to teach kids about natural history and the connections between all life.
Ceratopsidae – our horned dinosaur friends
The family of horned dinosaurs, including Triceratops, Kosmoceratops, and Torosaurus, known for their elaborate frills and facial horns.
The Laramide Orogeny
A major mountain-building event about 70–40 million years ago that raised the Rocky Mountains and reshaped much of western North America.
Did dinosaurs invent flowers?
A discussion on the origins of flowering plants and how pollinators like beetles and flies may have co-evolved with dinosaurs in the Cretaceous.
Torosaurus
A large ceratopsid with one of the biggest skulls of any land animal, famous for its massive frill and debated relationship with Triceratops.
End-Cretaceous dinosaur diversity
A Nature research paper examining whether dinosaurs were already in decline before the asteroid impact or if their diversity was still strong.
Kosmoceratops
One of the most ornate ceratopsids, sporting 15 horns and unusual frill ornamentation, nicknamed the dinosaur with the “bad hair day” look.
Jack Horner on Paleo Nerds
The famous paleontologist behind many dinosaur discoveries, including Maiasaura, and science advisor to Jurassic Park.
Majungasaurus
A predatory theropod from Madagascar, notable for its cannibalistic behavior as shown by bite marks on bones of its own species.
Masiakasaurus
A small theropod dinosaur from Madagascar with forward-pointing teeth adapted for catching fish and small prey.
Naming dinosaurs after musicians
A story on paleontologists occasionally naming new dinosaur species after favorite artists, sometimes inspired by music played in the field.
Scott’s PBS Kids show, Dinosaur Train
A second nod to Dinosaur Train, showing its cultural impact as a top-rated children’s program bringing paleontology to a wide audience.
Scott’s TED Talk: How to Raise a Wild Child
In this talk, Sampson emphasizes the importance of reconnecting children with nature for health, education, and the planet’s future.
Scott’s book “How to Raise a Wild Child”
A book that combines science, storytelling, and parenting advice to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors.
Sam Gon on Paleo Nerds
Conservationist and trilobite expert who describes ecosystems as extended families, helping us rethink our ties to ancient life.
Grand Staircase-Escalante discoveries
A New York Times feature on Utah’s Kaiparowits Plateau, where Sampson and colleagues uncovered a treasure trove of new dinosaur species.
MUSIC
Clove by Patrick Troll
Controls by Patrick Troll
I’m Afraid by Whiskey Class
MVP by Patrick Troll
Seconds in a Lifetime by Russell Wodehouse