Ep 6. Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs have captured our imaginations since the first fossils were discovered in the 1800s. In this episode of Mysteries at the Museum, host Don Wildman explores various dinosaur-related artifacts, uncovering fascinating stories from the past.

The episode kicks off with a visit to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where Wildman examines a skull replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex. This iconic dinosaur has been the subject of extensive research, and Wildman shares some of the latest findings. From the T. rex's powerful jaws to its keen sense of smell, viewers learn about the incredible features that made this predator such a formidable force.

Next, Wildman heads to Indiana to investigate an unusual artifact: a dinosaur egg. The egg was discovered in a farmer's field in 1945, and experts believe it belongs to a species of duck-billed dinosaur called Hypacrosaurus. Wildman talks to paleontologists at the University of Indianapolis to learn more about this fascinating find, including how the egg was formed and what it tells us about dinosaur reproduction.

Continuing the theme of eggs, Wildman then travels to the Harvard Museum of Natural History to view a specimen that was once the source of a great scientific controversy. The egg, which was purportedly laid by an extinct bird called the moa, was discovered in New Zealand in the late 19th century. At the time, many scientists believed the moa could not have survived alongside humans, who had only recently arrived on the island. However, as Wildman discovers, this egg and others like it have since been used to challenge that assumption.

Moving on to a more bizarre dinosaur-related artifact, Wildman visits the California Institute of Technology to examine a strange metal object known as the Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. The object appears to be a model of a velociraptor from the popular movie franchise, but it is in fact a piece of experimental technology called a "memory metal." Wildman delves into the story of how this metal was developed and how it has been used in various fields, from aerospace to entertainment.

From there, viewers are transported to Nebraska to learn about one of the most famous dinosaur fossils in the world: Sue the T. rex. Discovered in 1990, this fossil has been the subject of intense study and legal battles. Wildman speaks to experts at the Field Museum in Chicago to get the inside scoop on Sue's fascinating history and what it can tell us about dinosaurs.

Finally, the episode comes full circle back to New York City, where Wildman visits the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to view the skeleton of a Triceratops. This herbivorous dinosaur was known for its fearsome set of horns, which it used for defense against predators. Wildman shares some surprising insights into the life of the Triceratops, including evidence that suggests it may have had a social structure much like that of modern-day elephants.

Overall, this episode of Mysteries at the Museum offers a fascinating look at some of the most interesting dinosaur-related artifacts and fossils in the world. With Wildman as a knowledgeable and engaging guide, viewers are sure to come away with a deeper appreciation for these ancient creatures and the mysteries they hold.