Secrets of the Jurassic Dinosaurs episode 1: Liz Bonnin joins an international team of palaeontologists in the remote badlands of Wyoming as they investigate a mysterious dinosaur graveyard. Packed with over a dozen skeletons, including predators such as the fearsome Allosaurus and iconic giants like Diplodocus, as well as fossilised plants and footprints, the site is a treasure trove that is helping to change the way we think about the Jurassic – the golden age of dinosaurs. The astonishing evidence also helps the team to answer why so many dinosaurs came here and what killed them in such great numbers 150 million years ago.
The dinosaur graveyard in Wyoming’s badlands is an important site for paleontological research, and many museums and research institutions have conducted studies and excavations in the area. The fossils found in this area have provided important insights into the evolution and behavior of dinosaurs, and have helped scientists better understand life during the Late Jurassic period.
Secrets of the Jurassic Dinosaurs episode 1
The Jurassic period, which lasted from around 201 to 145 million years ago, is often referred to as the “golden age of dinosaurs.” During this time, the Earth experienced a relatively warm and stable climate, with lush forests and abundant food sources, which allowed dinosaurs to flourish and diversify. Some of the most iconic dinosaurs of the Jurassic period include the long-necked sauropods such as Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus, as well as the bipedal theropods like Allosaurus and Stegosaurus, and the herbivorous ornithischians like Triceratops and Stegosaurus.
The Jurassic period was also a time of significant evolutionary developments, with new types of dinosaurs evolving and adapting to changing environmental conditions. One notable example is the emergence of early birds, which evolved from small theropod dinosaurs during the Jurassic period and began to take to the skies. In addition to dinosaurs, the Jurassic period also saw the diversification of many other groups of organisms, including marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, as well as the first appearance of flowering plants.
The fossils from the Jurassic period provide a window into a time when dinosaurs were at their peak, and the diverse ecosystems of the Earth were teeming with life. Paleontologists continue to study these fossils to gain insights into the biology, behavior, and evolution of these ancient organisms, and to better understand the ecological and environmental conditions that shaped their world.
Allosaurus
Allosaurus is a genus of large theropod dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 155 to 145 million years ago. It was a bipedal predator and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and well-known carnivorous dinosaurs.
Allosaurus was a formidable predator, with a large head, sharp teeth, and powerful jaws. It was estimated to have grown up to 9 to 12 meters (30 to 40 feet) in length and weighed up to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). Its arms were relatively short, but its legs were long and powerful, allowing it to run at high speeds and make quick turns to pursue prey. Allosaurus was a top predator in its ecosystem, hunting a variety of large herbivorous dinosaurs, including Stegosaurus and Diplodocus. Its teeth were serrated and designed to slice through flesh, making it an effective predator. It likely hunted in groups, which would have allowed it to take down larger prey.
Allosaurus fossils have been found throughout North America, including in Wyoming’s Dinosaur National Monument and Utah’s Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. These fossils have provided valuable insights into the biology and behavior of this iconic dinosaur, and have helped scientists better understand the ecology and diversity of the Late Jurassic period.
Diplodocus
Diplodocus is a genus of long-necked, herbivorous dinosaur that lived during the Late Jurassic period, around 155 to 145 million years ago. It was a member of the sauropod group, which includes some of the largest animals to ever walk the Earth. Diplodocus was a massive dinosaur, growing up to 27 meters (90 feet) in length and weighing up to 16,000 kilograms (35,000 pounds). Its most distinctive feature was its long, whip-like tail, which it likely used to defend itself against predators.
Like other sauropods, Diplodocus had a long neck and small head relative to its body size. Its teeth were shaped like pegs and were adapted for stripping leaves from trees, which it likely ate in large quantities to fuel its massive body. Despite its enormous size, Diplodocus was a relatively agile animal, able to move quickly on its four sturdy legs. It likely lived in herds and may have migrated long distances in search of food and water.
Diplodocus fossils have been found throughout western North America, particularly in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. These fossils have provided valuable insights into the biology and behavior of this iconic dinosaur, and have helped scientists better understand the ecology and diversity of the Late Jurassic period.
