TED Talks Daily Mantua Township | Far Flung with Saleem Reshamwala
Apr 9, 2021
Ken Lacovara, a geologist and paleontologist famed for discovering Dreadnoughtus, shares thrilling insights from Mantua Township, New Jersey, revealing a hidden prehistoric graveyard. He discusses the town's efforts to preserve an excavation site that contains vital clues to understanding dinosaur extinction. The conversation dives into the significance of community involvement in protecting natural history, the unique charm of the locale, and how ancient ecosystems can inform our current environmental challenges. Prepare for a fascinating journey through time!
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Discovery of the Fossil Site
- Ken Lacovara, a paleontologist, discovered a fossil site behind a Lowe's in Mantua, New Jersey.
- He initially saw it as a teaching opportunity for his students.
Potential Significance of the Site
- The fossil site's layer might hold clues to the dinosaur extinction event.
- This is crucial because there's a gap in the fossil record around that time.
Collaboration with Local Government
- Ken Lacovara sought help from Michelle Bruner, a local government official, to save the site.
- Bruner was initially captivated by the site's deep time significance.