The day the dinosaurs died
Summary
Paleontologist Ken Lacovara discusses the Edelman Fossil Park in New Jersey, a site preserving the immediate aftermath of the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs. He shares stories from his global expeditions, including the discovery of the massive Dreadnoughtus, and explains how the park’s unique "death assemblage" offers insights into the extinction event. Lacovara emphasizes using this deep-time perspective to inspire public engagement with science and motivate action against the current climate crisis.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Edelman Fossil Park and Ken Lacovara
The asteroid impact and dinosaur extinction timeline
Ken's background and discovery of Dreadnoughtus
Paleontology expeditions and finding new species
Museum exhibits and realistic dinosaur sculptures
History of paleontology in New Jersey
Public excavation and deep time perspective
Climate change lessons from the fossil record
Credits and closing remarks
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