Ep 2. We Dig Dinosaurs

In Prehistoric Road Trip season 1 episode 2, titled "We Dig Dinosaurs," host Emily Graslie continues her journey through North Dakota, exploring the state's rich fossil history. First, she visits the Pembina Gorge, where she meets up with local paleontologist Jeff Person. They explore the local rock formations, searching for clues to the ancient past. They discover a variety of fossils, including traces of ancient sea creatures and even a 60-foot-long reptile called a mosasaur.

Next, Emily visits the site of a recently discovered triceratops fossil. She meets up with the team of paleontologists who are working to excavate and prepare the fossil for display. Emily learns about the painstaking process of uncovering and preserving fossils, and even gets to help out with the excavation herself.

Throughout the episode, Emily also explores the broader history and science of dinosaurs. She visits the North Dakota Heritage Center, where she speaks with Dr. Becky Barnes, a curator of paleontology. Dr. Barnes shares her knowledge of the evolution of dinosaurs, including the surprising fact that many dinosaur species actually had feathers.

Emily also speaks with Dr. Donald Brinkman, director of preservation and research at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta, Canada. Dr. Brinkman explains how geological and environmental changes over millions of years led to the evolution of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. He also shares insights on the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, and the ongoing debate among scientists about its cause.

At each stop along the way, Emily's enthusiasm and curiosity shines through as she learns more about the science and history of prehistoric creatures. With its combination of hands-on exploration, in-depth scientific inquiry, and engaging storytelling, Prehistoric Road Trip season 1 episode 2 is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the natural world and the fascinating creatures that inhabited it millions of years ago.