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Avatar for Rita DouglasRita Douglas

I am a vertebrate paleontologist from Nebraska studying mammoths in Finland. My interests are mostly large Miocene mammals like rhinos, gomphotheres, and camels!
why were dinosaurs discovered so late

Why Were Dinosaurs Discovered So Late?

December 7, 2024April 18, 2024 by Rita Douglas

Most of us know that humans and dinosaurs did not coexist. So when did people first know about dinosaurs? 2024 marks 200 years since the first dinosaur was described. That sounds kind of late given how long our species has been around. Why were dinosaurs discovered so late? Dinosaurs were … Continue Reading

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how long does it take for fossils to form

How Long Does it Take for Fossils to Form?

March 31, 2024March 30, 2024 by Rita Douglas

The fossilization process is a remarkable phenomenon. It allows us to study the forms of life that inhabited our planet millions, and even billions, of years ago. From the smallest microorganisms to the mightiest dinosaurs, fossils offer an unparalleled glimpse into the past, preserving the intricate details of ancient creatures … Continue Reading

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did dinosaurs lay eggs

Did Dinosaurs Lay Eggs and How Do We Know?

February 4, 2024December 25, 2023 by Rita Douglas

Which came first, the dinosaur or the egg? The answer is, of course, the egg. The hard-shelled eggs we know today first evolved around 312 million years ago! Did dinosaurs lay eggs? Dinosaurs did not first appear until 230-240 million years ago. How do we know that dinosaurs laid eggs? … Continue Reading

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did dinosaurs have two brains

Did Dinosaurs Have Two Brains?

February 4, 2024December 20, 2023 by Rita Douglas

In the movie Pacific Rim, massive monsters called kaiju are completely different from any animals on Earth. One scientist studying these monsters describes them by saying, “The kaiju are so large they need two brains to move around, like a dinosaur.” Say what? You may have heard this dinosaur ‘fact’ … Continue Reading

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are fossils worth money

Are Fossils Worth Money and Should You Sell Them?

February 4, 2024December 5, 2023 by Rita Douglas

Amateur and professional paleontologists alike are bound to own a fossil or two in their lifetime. Some people stop there while others create huge collections.  Some fossils in private collections might be personally collected by the owner, but a lot of the time these fossils were bought and sold. Who … Continue Reading

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what are index fossils

What are Index Fossils and How Are They Used?

February 4, 2024November 30, 2023 by Rita Douglas

When reading about paleontology or fossils, you are sure to stumble across the words ‘index fossil’ at some point. But what is an index fossil, and why do we have them?  Why are some fossils given this title but not others? There are a few factors that decide whether a … Continue Reading

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Why is the Geologic Time Scale Important

Why is the Geologic Time Scale Important?

February 4, 2024November 30, 2023 by Rita Douglas

The geologic time scale, sometimes called the GTS, is a standard representation of time. It goes back to the earliest evidence of Earth’s creation and describes up to the modern day.  It is divided into smaller units of time called eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. These stack inside each … Continue Reading

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how to clean fossils at home

How to Clean Fossils at Home: Beginners’ Guide

March 27, 2025May 29, 2023 by Rita Douglas

Congratulations, you’ve found a fossil! What are the next steps to ensure it lasts a long time in your collection? How can you make sure it looks the best for display? Before starting, it’s important to have a safe and well-equipped workspace. Once you have that, gather the necessary tools … Continue Reading

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dinosaur birthday party ideas

Fun Dinosaur Birthday Party Ideas Kids Will Love

May 2, 2024December 22, 2020 by Rita Douglas

All great parties need a theme. While most children like dinosaurs, some are completely obsessed. In another article, I explored why kids love dinosaurs. The mystery and scale of these extinct animals are fascinating to young minds. A dinosaur-themed birthday party is perfect for those kids who have dinosaurs on … Continue Reading

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