Tumble Science Podcast for Kids The Dino Butt Fossil
Oct 17, 2025
Dr. Diane Kelly, a biologist from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and expert in animal anatomy, explains the quirky side of dinosaurs. She unpacks whether dinosaurs, like dogs, sniffed each other's behinds. Through a fascinating discussion of a well-preserved Psittacosaurus fossil, Diane reveals how researchers use cloaca anatomy to infer dinosaur behavior and chemical communication. The conversation highlights the link between anatomy and behavior, leaving listeners intrigued about the smelly secrets of the prehistoric world!
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Meet The Dinosaur Butt Expert
- Dr. Diane Kelly invited Lindsay to her home and showed silicone molds of cloacae and photos from her research.
- Diane combines baking, game design, and butt anatomy in her daily life as a scientist.
A Pancaked Fossil Holds Key Clues
- Jacob Vinther discovered an exceptionally preserved Psittacosaurus rear-end impression that sparked the study.
- The fossil was pancaked but preserved details that pointed to the vent area and internal contents.
Reverse Squish Reveals Fossilized Poop
- Digital imaging let researchers "reverse squish" the flattened fossil to reconstruct original shape.
- Mineralized material in the fossil revealed fossilized poop still inside the body cavity.