3/12/2006 Houston-- A new exhibit showcases evolving theories that suggest dinosaurs may still fly among us. The latest scientific findings indicate that they were more closely related to birds than to giant lizards. The new special exhibition "Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries" shatters preconceived notions of these ancient beasts. The exhibit will be on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science from March 10 through July 30, 2006.
"This remarkable exhibition will give visitors a chance to see how new
discoveries often compel us to re-evaluate what we think we know, sometimes with
quite surprising results, "said Joel A. Bartsch, president of the Houston Museum
of Natural Science.
The exhibit showcases the latest breakthroughs in paleontology and the cutting-edge technology scientists are using to reinterpret many of the puzzling prehistoric mysteries of these complex creatures. Through a combination of recent major fossil finds, the exhibit utilizes computer simulations and provocation life-size models. This groundbreaking special exhibition radically shifts long-held perceptions of what dinosaurs looked like, their behavior, and not when or how, but whether they became extinct at all.
The evolutionary link between birds and dinosaurs is explored through a fossil that has been called the Rosetta Stone of paleontology - a Bambiraptor feinbergi that is the best-preserved and most complete dinosaur found in North America; a cast of a newly discovered fossil that exhibits both downy fluff and primitive feathers; and numerous recently discovered fossils of prehistoric environment ever built.
New conceptions of the movement capabilities of dinosaurs are also explored through multiple computer interactives that showcase the latest technology. Dinosaur behavior is also explored through prehistoric footprints that demonstrate herding patterns. Tickets for "Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries" are $15 for adults, Seniors, Students, Kids $10. Houston Museum of Natural Science members pay $7. Call 713-639-4629 for more information.
Contributed by Dixie Frantz.
