The Bone Wars: A Paleontological Feud

The Bone Wars: A Paleontological Feud

Assessment

Interactive Video

Science, History

6th - 10th Grade

Hard

Created by

Lucas Foster

FREE Resource

The video explores the Bone Wars, a rivalry between paleontologists Marsh and Cope in the late 19th century. Their competition led to significant dinosaur discoveries but also numerous mistakes and unethical practices. The feud began with Cope's error in reconstructing Elasmosaurus and escalated to sabotage and fossil destruction. Despite their contributions to paleontology, their reckless behavior tarnished the field's reputation. The video highlights the importance of collaboration and accurate scientific work, contrasting past conflicts with modern scientific practices.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the main focus of the Bone Wars between Marsh and Cope?

To find and name new dinosaur species

To discover new species of plants

To study the stars and planets

To explore the depths of the ocean

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Who was the first to scientifically describe a dinosaur, and what was it called?

William Buckland, Megalosaurus

Edward Cope, Elasmosaurus

Othniel Marsh, Apatosaurus

Joseph Leidy, Hadrosaurus

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How did Marsh and Cope initially meet?

While studying in Berlin

During a dig site visit in America

At a museum exhibition in London

At a paleontology conference in New York

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What mistake did Cope make when describing Elasmosaurus?

He published the wrong fossil images

He placed its head on the wrong end of the spine

He confused it with a different marine reptile

He named it after a wrong continent

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Who was the academic that corrected Cope's mistake with Elasmosaurus?

SR Foxley

Othniel Marsh

Joseph Leidy

William Buckland

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What tactics did Marsh and Cope use during the Bone Wars?

Ignoring each other's work

Sharing fossils freely

Spying and bribing workers

Collaborating with each other

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was one of the major naming mistakes made by Marsh?

Naming a dinosaur after Cope

Naming a dinosaur twice as Apatosaurus and Brontosaurus

Naming a marine reptile as a dinosaur

Naming a dinosaur after himself

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