Some Great Paleontology Links

While browsing some links related to fossils and paleontology, we found a couple of interesting and useful web sites / blogs that we thought we'd share.

University of Bristol Dinobase

The University of Bristol in England is world-renowned for its leading role in paleontological research (see our recent news article on our main site, "Feathered Dinosaur Fossils Reveal Color Pigments," which discusses the university's contributions to recent groundbreaking work on microscopic pigmentation structures in feathered dinosaurs). Its Dinobase web site is a treasure trove of fascinating information on dinosaurs, recent fossil discoveries and the science of paleontology.

Much of the information is presented in forum postings which cover recent discoveries and current paleontological controversies. There's also an extensive online database of dinosaur species. For kids, teachers and parents, there's a DinoKids section that features interesting and accessible news about dinosaurs, educational activities, a Questions and Answers forum where kids can get their curious questions answered, and even information on how to become a professional in the various paleontology-related sciences.

The Hairy Museum of Natural History

Matt Celeskey, exhibit, graphics and web designer at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, runs an interesting, accessible and sometimes humorous blog covering discoveries and discussions in the world of paleontology. In addition to his generally accessible-to-the-layperson information (most of it accompanied by reference links), some of his pictorial reconstructions of dinosaurs are also featured.

Particularly useful is an article index that lets you view blog posts organized by geologic period or by taxonomic groups of dinosaurs.

Dave Hone's Archosaur Musings

British paleontologist Dave Hone's blog is another good resource that provides layperson-accessible information on dinosaurs, in this case the Archosaurs (primarily therapods and pterosaurs, but also other extinct reptiles including sauropods and birds).

You'll also find interesting discussions on scientific communications (if you're interested in that sort of thing), and useful information for educators, e.g., his post on "The importance of science education for children."

Palaeoblog

Michael J. Ryan, Ph.D., Curator and Head of Vertebrate Paleontology at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, chronicles recent paleontological discoveries as well as featuring posts on the history of paleontology, providing interesting insights on the people who helped to advance the science and how it has developed to today.