Teacher, Metcalf
Community Academy
2007 Project Exploration Science Teacher Field Institute
Neil Campbell Fellow
ON ASSIGNMENT:
Unique Features of the Unveiled Nigersaurus
Nigersaurus was like no other sauropod discovered. It has unique features that give it a story of its own. The distinctive jawbone and positioning of the head open up new thoughts to the way these dinosaurs fed. Think of today’s long-necked animal, the giraffe. They eat leaves high in the trees. This is what scientists thought about some long-necked dinosaurs, called diplodocoids, up until now.
Its muzzle is the widest part of the delicate skull of Nigersaurus. The jawbone that facilitated its scissor-like bite is intricate in structure, measuring less than a half-inch where the jawbones attached. |
Photo G. Lyon
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Most fascinating is the line of straight, tiny teeth that continually replaced themselves as the existing ones wore down. Each tooth has a pair of worn surfaces: one worn surface was formed when the teeth closed against one another, and the other was formed as the teeth rubbed against the ground during feeding.
Another captivating quality that adds to the distinctive features of Nigersaurus is the positioning of the skull. Scientists were able to make a model of the brain by filling the empty braincase of the fossil skull. On this copy you could see the inner ear canal. This important organ helps with balance and orientation. Think about when you have an ear infection and you can’t keep yourself balanced. This semicircular canal helped determine the position of the head. For Nigersaurus, its head is pointed directly downward for a natural position.
Noting these two unique features of the unveiled Nigersaurus, we can theorize that this plant-eating sauropod was not eating the leaves high in the trees. To stretch its neck and lift its head would be an unnatural position for feeding. The wide muzzle and head positioned to a strait downward stance would be better fit to eat from the ground. Nigersaurus is believed to have lived by fresh water rivers with plenty of horsetail and fern plants.
Donna lists the questions she has about Nigersaurus
at the Nigersaurus Delegation pre-trip training.
Photo M. E. Perez
REFLECTIONS OF A DELEGATE
11/12/07
What are your goals for yourself during this unveiling?
I hope to gain knowledge across the curriculum to bring science alive. Many times students and teachers are afraid of science. Many work so hard on reading and math they have no time for science. I want teachers to know they can integrate science concepts into daily life situations. The trip to Washington, D.C. will help me promote the science education experience to my students and teachers. With more life experience, you find many connections that students and teachers can relate to.
11/14/07
I told my friend that I was going to the unveiling of a new dinosaur species and she asked, “Why should I care?” What should I tell her?
Your friend should care. Science is an important study of the world that helps us better understand all the things around us. We rely on science to estimate the history of the Earth, cure the sick, and provide resources for the comfortable life we live. We need science to provide health services, and problem-solve for the large issues the Earth faces every day. The unveiling of Nigersaurus is not only exciting and cool but allows more pieces into “the story.” Each piece has a purpose. With more discoveries made and pieces found, curious minds can expand what’s known to possibly solve or discover the unknown.
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Donna captures her thoughts and questions
from the pre-trip training in her journal.
Photo M. E. Perez |
11/15/07
I used to think…But now I know…
I used to think science was for the few elite intellectual individuals in this world. Now I know science is for the curious. As children, we are all scientists. Real-life experiences, learning about discoveries, and producing more inquiry is what it is all about. As we grow from children into young adults, the skills we build through our educators and life experiences bring questioning to the forefront. We produce thoughtful thinkers with skills to pursue scientific inquiry.
The reconstruction of Nigersaurus shows the downward angle of the face
that scientists think was the normal position.
Photo V. Spitzer
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