š¦āā¬š¦šµš¼āāļø 216 - Jingmai O'Connor on Dead Birds & Living Paleontologists
Feb 21, 2024
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Jingmai O'Connor, Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles at The Field Museum, shares her passion for Mesozoic flying reptiles and the colorful world of paleontology. She discusses the multifaceted evolution of flight in dinosaurs, including the striking Microraptor and the fascinating dinosaur Yi Qi. O'Connor delves into the importance of soft tissues in fossils and the intersection of kickboxing and scientific inquiry. Her insights reveal the challenges and triumphs faced by those tracking ancient mysteries, making a case for resilience and dedication in the field.
The revelation that flight may have evolved independently in various dinosaur lineages challenges the previously held single-origin assumption.
The recognition of soft tissues in fossils is transforming paleontological research, providing critical insights into the biology of ancient organisms.
Interdisciplinary approaches merging biology, chemistry, and paleontology are enhancing our understanding of prehistoric life and driving innovative research methods.
Deep dives
Origins of Flight in Dinosaurs
Initially, it was believed that dinosaur flight had a single origin, exemplified by studies from the early 1900s. The discovery of Microraptor in 2003 led many to support the idea of a four-winged gliding phase, suggesting that all flight types evolved from this model. However, the fossil record has revealed new evidence that questions this assumption, as independent origins of flight may have actually occurred among various dinosaur lineages. Recent findings, such as scansoriopterygids and their unique wing structures, suggest multiple evolutionary adaptations towards powered flight.
The Role of Soft Tissues in Paleontological Discoveries
Soft tissues, previously overlooked in paleontological research, are now recognized as crucial in understanding evolutionary traits and behaviors of ancient organisms. The preservation of soft tissues in fossils provides better insights into the biology and functionality of extinct animals, with examples including feathers revealing color patterns and structures. As research methods evolve, especially with advancements in chemistry and imaging technologies, paleontologists can gain deeper insights into how soft tissues contribute to our understanding of evolution. This shift towards integrating soft tissue analysis is revolutionizing the field and providing a more holistic view of ancient life.
The Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches
Combining knowledge from various scientific disciplines enhances our understanding of paleontology, as seen with recent collaborations that merge biology, chemistry, and paleontology. By applying modern biological concepts to paleontological evidence, researchers can produce more accurate models of prehistoric organisms. Such interdisciplinary methods also pave the way for innovative technological applications, allowing scientists to analyze fossils in ways not previously possible. This trend highlights the significance of approaching paleontological questions with a broad and integrative lens.
Contemporary Challenges in Academia for Paleontologists
Paleontology, while fascinating, presents numerous challenges in academia, including fierce competition for funding and limited job availability for graduates. The intense pressure to secure grants can detract from the joy of research and discovery, leading to a toxic environment among professionals. Moreover, the necessity to publish to maintain job security often overshadows the intrinsic motivations that many scientists have for pursuing their work. Understanding these realities is crucial for aspiring paleontologists to prepare for the tough landscape that lies ahead.
Evolving Theories on Feather Development
Research into feather structure and development has unveiled fascinating insights that may reshape our understanding of avian evolution. Recent investigations show that the soft tissues associated with feathers were crucial for survival traits in ancient birds, potentially influencing their adaptive strategies. The presence of melanosomes in fossilized feathers has facilitated the investigation of color and other characteristics in feathered dinosaurs. This research connects the dots between evolutionary pressures and the continued development of flight in various dinosaur clades.
Future Directions in Paleontological Research
As paleontological methods advance, so does the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that can alter current scientific understanding. Future research is likely to continue uncovering new fossils and utilizing innovative technology to analyze these finds more effectively. The increasing integration of molecular biology and paleontology offers promising avenues for new insights into the evolutionary history of flight and other traits. As scientists remain open to new data and methodologies, paleontology stands at the brink of significant advancements.
This week I speak with Jingmai OāConnor (Staff Page | Instagram), Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles (a.k.a. Priestess of Dead Dino-Birds) at The Field Museum in Chicago, about the magnificent strangeness of Mesozoic flying reptiles, the perverse anthropology of paleontologists, and much else. Contrary to expectations for a show with āfossilsā in its title, I donāt ordinarily interview people who actually dig up prehistoric creatures, but as I make perhaps too obvious in this enthusiastic get-to-know-each-other session, I still care deeply for the treasured mysteries that lie in store beneath our feet and love the people who devote their lives to studying the ancient biosphere ā even if the systemās crooked and we fight about as much as dinosaurs themselves.
Hereās to Jingmai and her singular life and mind! Do yourself a favor and acquire her book When Dinosaurs Conquered The Skies, truly a treat for all ages, and then if you want to leap like Microraptor into the thicket of her publications you can scope her work on Google Scholar. (And shout out to her friends Rextooth, who do in fact make awesome dino comics.)
This one's a Jon-Brion-inspired riff on the phenomenology of near-death experiences and the neurophysiology of 5MEO-DMT, a quick trip up above the plane of normal waking life to see the panoply of possibility exfoliating from the Godhead in each moment. How do you choose your next life? (Trick question.)
Join my small but gorgeous mob by preordering the entire album at Bandcamp (or subscribe on Substack/Patreon to have it all at once right now), and then go talk to integrate your experience with Daniel Shankin.
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