Science Night examines dinosaur injuries Nov. 14

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside Science Night series continues Wednesday, Nov 14, with a program on the behavior of so-called "thick headed" dinosaurs and the injuries resulting from that behavior. The program "Dino-Sores: Injury and Behavior in Cretaceous Dinosaurs" with UW-Oshkosh Geology Professor Joseph Peterson, begins at 7 p.m. in room 103 of Greenquist Hall on the campus at 900 Wood Rd., Kenosha.

"Pachycephalosaurs, 'thick-headed' Cretaceous dinosaurs, have long been hypothesized to have engaged in agonistic head-butting, similar to the behaviors of modern bighorn sheep," Dr. Peterson said. "While this hypothesis has been debated for decades, the presence of injuries on a collection of pachycephalosaurid skulls supports not only 'head-butting' but also offers insight into the variety of fighting styles among pachycephalosaurs."

During the past decade, Dr. Peterson has studied various injuries in Cretaceous dinosaurs such as the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, the Triceratops, and thick-headed Pachycephalosaurus. These injuries, or "paleopathologies" provide insight into the paleobiology and behaviors of dinosaurs. Dr. Peterson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and his Master's degree and Ph.D. in Geology at Northern Illinois University.

Sponsored by Pearson, Science Night is designed to engage the campus and community in discussions of core topics in science. Each presentation examines one of the natural phenomena at a level accessible to all audiences from youngsters to grandparents, without requiring any previous knowledge of the field. This monthly program is offered on the second Wednesday of every month.

"Dino-Sores: Injury and Behavior in Cretaceous Dinosaurs" with UW-OshkoshGeology Professor Joseph Peterson, is free and open to the public. High school and middle school students and faculty with an interest in math and science are encouraged to attend. Admission is free and parking in the Student Center lot is free after 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 262-595-2172.

• 
• 
• 

ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 11/7/2012

MORE UW-P NEWS:

All current news releases
News archive
Ranger Today home