Dinosaur Bone Preparation and Analysis

The video explores the process of recreating dinosaur skeletons, starting with fieldwork where fossils are excavated and wrapped in plaster. In the lab, fossils are carefully prepared and cleaned. Some fossils undergo histological analysis, where they are cut, impregnated with plastic, and examined under a microscope to study their cellular structure. This research helps scientists understand more about dinosaurs' lives and deaths. The video concludes with resources for further learning on the Science Trek website.

What is the first step paleontologists take when they find dinosaur bones in the field?

• They photograph the bones.

• They wrap the bones in plaster.

• They immediately clean the bones.

• They send the bones to a museum.

What is the purpose of the physical preparation laboratory?

• To photograph fossils.

• To display fossils to the public.

• To remove fossils from plaster jackets.

• To sell fossils to collectors.

How do preparers ensure the fossil remains supported during cleaning?

• By hanging it from the ceiling.

• By placing it in a glass case.

• By keeping it in part of its plaster jacket.

• By using metal rods.

What is Susan's role in the bone preparation process?

• She photographs the fossils.

• She cleans and prepares the bones.

• She transports the fossils.

• She sells the fossils.

What happens to fossils after they are cleaned?

• They are either stored for study or sent to a histology lab.

• They are discarded.

• They are given to schools.

• They are used in art projects.

What is the main activity in the histology laboratory?

• Cutting and analyzing bone slices.

• Transporting fossils to museums.

• Displaying fossils to the public.

• Photographing fossils.

Why are bone slices impregnated with plastic resin?

• To make them waterproof.

• To allow them to be sliced and examined under a microscope.

• To preserve them for display.

• To make them colorful.

What can scientists learn by studying the cells in dinosaur bones?

• The dinosaur's favorite habitat.

• How the dinosaur lived and died.

• The dinosaur's diet.

• The color of the dinosaur's skin.

What is the significance of the little black dots seen in the bone slices?

• They are fossilized insects.

• They are air bubbles.

• They are remnants of the cells that laid down the bone.

• They are impurities in the bone.

Where can one find more information and resources about dinosaur studies?

• In a history textbook.

• At the local library.

• In a dinosaur theme park.

• On the Science Trek website.