Paleontologist Stephen Brusatte on 'Walking With Dinosaurs' and New Discoveries

The Role of a Paleontologist Consultant

• 💡 Stephen Brusatte, a Professor of Paleontology at the University of Edinburgh, served as a consultant for the new 'Walking With Dinosaurs' series.
• 🎯 His role involved working behind the scenes to ensure the scientific accuracy of the show's dinosaur depictions.

Evolution of Dinosaur Depictions

• 🦖 The series showcases new discoveries, with dinosaurs like Utah Raptors now depicted covered in feathers, reflecting recent scientific understanding.
• 🌊 The Spinosaurus is highlighted with new fossil evidence revealing a large sail, a long swimming tail, and a crocodile-like snout, presenting an updated scientific image.
• 🚀 These updates are based on thousands of new dinosaur species discovered globally in the last 25 years.

Inspiring Future Scientists

• 🌟 Brusatte hopes the series will inspire viewers with wonder, awe, and curiosity, similar to his own experience watching the original series as a high school student.
• 📚 He encourages viewers to learn more, read books, visit museums, and even reach out to scientists to get involved in paleontology.
• 🌍 The beauty of paleontology is its accessibility, allowing anyone to find fossils and contribute to understanding Earth's ancient history.

Paleontology's Contribution to Understanding Our World

• 🔬 Shows like 'Walking With Dinosaurs' serve as a gateway for people to learn about nature, history, and the fragility of our world.
• ✅ By presenting scientifically accurate and beautiful depictions, the series fosters appreciation for Earth's past and present.