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.

 

Summertime... And it's Time for Rockhounding!

Winter has (finally) fled, spring has sprung, and summertime is just around the corner, and for you rockhounds and gold hunters it's time to plan your summer outings and adventures. (Or perhaps the rockhounding bug has just nipped you a little, and you're considering an outing.) Well, just in time for rockhounding season, Mama's Minerals is running a 10% off sale on all rockhounding and gold prospecting guides, rock hammers and picks, and gold panning equipment. The sale will run for a limited time, so check it out now!

Also just in time for rockhounding season, a new edition of Gem Trails of New Mexico has been released, so if you're planning an adventure in New Mexico, order your copy now. For guides to rockhounding in other states, check out the rest of the Gem Trails series of books. All of the Gem Trails series books are included in our 10% off Rockhounding Sale. (Your 10% discount will be applied at checkout.)

Just getting started with rockhounding and need some expert guidance? If you're in New Mexico, be sure to stop by either our Albuquerque or Santa Fe stores, where our experienced staff will be happy to advise you. For local expertise, check out your local gem and mineral club (in Albuquerque, that's the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club). Members of these clubs will have a treasure trove of experience and information to share with you.

Wishing you Happy Rockhounding!