Ep 3. Tiny Teeth, Fearsome Beasts

In Prehistoric Road Trip season 1 episode 3, titled "Tiny Teeth, Fearsome Beasts," host Emily Graslie continues her road trip through the American West to explore the ancient creatures that once roamed the region. This episode focuses on some of the smallest creatures from the prehistoric era that were still able to strike fear in their larger counterparts.

First, Graslie visits the Natural History Museum of Utah to examine the fossilized remains of a prehistoric scorpion. With the help of museum experts, she learns about the creature's venomous stinger and how it would have used its pincers to capture prey. She then travels to the Northeastern Nevada Museum to see the fossilized remains of another fearsome tiny creature, the bear dog. Despite its small size, this predator had razor-sharp teeth and was able to take down prey much larger than itself.

Next, Graslie heads to Montana to meet with paleontologist Jack Horner, who shares his research on the dinosaur Maiasaura. Though not particularly small, this herbivorous dinosaur is fascinating for its unique parenting habits. Horner's work has shown that Maiasaura cared for and protected their young, a behavior not previously observed in dinosaurs.

The episode also explores the tiny creatures that lived during the Ice Age, including the American cheetah and the saber-toothed cat. These predators were able to thrive in the harsh conditions and hunt the large herbivorous mammals that roamed the region. Graslie visits the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles to see preserved remains of some of these creatures and to learn about the scientific process of extracting fossils from the tar.

Throughout the episode, Graslie highlights the importance of studying prehistoric creatures to better understand the evolution of life on earth. She also emphasizes the need to protect and preserve fossil sites, as they provide valuable insights into the past and contribute to scientific research and education.

Overall, "Tiny Teeth, Fearsome Beasts" offers a fascinating look at some of the smallest yet most formidable creatures from the prehistoric era. Through visits to museums, talks with experts, and explorations of fossil sites, Graslie brings these ancient creatures to life and shows how they fit into the larger story of evolution and natural history.