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TED Radio Hour

The day the dinosaurs died

Aug 16, 2024
Ken Lacovara, a paleontologist and founder of a new museum in New Jersey, takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of dinosaurs. He reveals insights about the asteroid impact that led to extinction and emphasizes the critical role of fossil sites in New Jersey. The excitement of uncovering fossils, like a femur with shark bite marks, paints a picture of prehistoric life. Lacovara also discusses the importance of public engagement in preserving history and inspiring future generations to connect with our planet's deep past.
49:41

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Edelman Fossil Park reveals critical insights into the ecosystem that thrived before the asteroid impact that ended the dinosaurs.
  • Ken Lacovara emphasizes the importance of understanding past extinctions to combat today's biodiversity crisis and climate change.

Deep dives

The Discovery of Fossils at Edelman Fossil Park

The Edelman Fossil Park in New Jersey has become a significant site for paleontological research, revealing a wealth of fossils that date back 66 million years. Paleontologist Ken Lacovara initially underestimated the site in 2003 but discovered its importance after ongoing excavations revealed a dense concentration of fossils from the end of the dinosaur era. Notably, more than 100,000 fossils from various species, including clams, turtles, and sharks, have been unearthed, indicating a vibrant ecosystem prior to the catastrophic asteroid impact. This quarry offers a unique glimpse into a pivotal moment in Earth's history, as it preserves a distinct extinction layer that showcases life just before and after the asteroid hit.

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