Fall 2023 Excursion Report
November 11, 2023

American Museum of Natural History,
New York City, New York

Tour 1: Dr. Holtz; Dinosaurs

Dr. Holtz described where dinosaurs exist within the tree of life, or phylogeny, and how they are identified (an open gap on their hip). He went on to cover different species of dinosaurs, including Patagotitan, plateosaurus, sauropods, theropods, tyrannosaurus, bird hipped dinosaurs, and horned dinosaurs. He explained the process of dinosaurs starting out small and walking on their hind legs, to eventually evolving into larger sizes, where they could no longer support themselves and had to walk on all four legs. Meat eating is also an ancestral trait, and omnivores/herbivores didn’t evolve until new trees developed and the option was presented. Due to the fact that new fossils are constantly being discovered and knowledge on dinosaurs are constantly changing, the museum is out of date in certain places. Holtz pointed out several signs, including some regarding a type of sauropod which was written in the 1990s and had not been edited when the species was reassigned in 2015. This sign could relatively easily be swapped out for a new, accurate one. Similarly, it was believed for many years that tyrannosaurus were related to another branch of allosaurus, so the phylogeny system in the museum displays this. Dr. Holtz helped to figure out that they are actually closer to birds. This would be a much more difficult thing to change because it would require alteration of the entire floor’s phylogeny. He also described some research he has done on the function of tyrannosaurus' narrow feet to increase speed and efficiency. In another interesting portion of the tour, he discussed the finding of coelophysis bauri, a type of theropod at Ghost Ranch. They died in large groups which helped researchers determine that they hunted in groups.

The hall is filled with fossils. Flat ones are displayed in glass cases, while those that were preserved in 3D form have been mostly reconstructed and displayed that way. Throughout his presentation, Dr. Holtz referenced these displays, to point out the shape of a tyrannosaurus’ feet, or the gap on the hip of the Patagotitan. The hall also utilizes interactive screens which provide more information through videos and other tools. This seemed effective in engaging a lot of the children within the exhibit’s attention, and was a good way to provide more information without covering the entire glass case with text. However, they were hidden in the corners, and some still only provided basic information, so they certainly had limitations. Much of the information is relatively basic, so the hall is clearly targeted towards non-experts. However, it’s advanced enough to not be targeted at young children. Still though, everyone can find something interesting in this exhibit about dinosaurs.


Tour 2: Self Guided; Hall of Planet Earth

The Hall of Planet Earth covers several important aspects of our planet, including climate change, layers of the Earth, rocks, and plate tectonics. A large portion of the hall discusses climate change over the course of known history. It explains the several ice ages which have occurred and how in the modern day, the planet is steadily warming. This is explained in an introductory manner and utilizes interactive charts which one can slide to change throughout the years. The space is very clearly designed for children who have minimal to no background knowledge on the topic. The center of the hall has a dark space with a hemispherical screen displaying the Earth. Kids could stand at the bottom and look up at our planet. Past this, is a replica of the Earth showing the mantle model and how rocks flow. This display neighbors one about rocks and volcanism, designed to teach kids about the rock cycle. It very effectively achieves this goal, using visuals and replicas that really aid in the digestion of new information.


Tour 3: Dr. Merck; Hall of Vertebrate Origins

Dr. Merck discussed the evolution of vertebrates, including the development of jaws, internal bones, and amniotes. He explained how the first vertebrates were jawless and likely deposit feeders. Eventually bony fish developed, containing internal bones. Rayfin fish have internal bones and specifically have bones within their fins that articulate at once, while lobefin fish have one element that articulates with the shoulder. All land vertebrates evolved from these lobefin fish. Throughout his tour, Dr. Merck directly referenced the fossils on display and encouraged students to take a closer look. Antorbital openings in the skull were apparent on some of the fossils, and it became relatively easy to spot herbivores by the large cavities they require for digestion after Dr. Merck pointed this structure out. These visuals and the plaques containing information about the fossils were extremely helpful in reinforcing the concepts Dr. Merck was teaching. One section of the hall displays an extremely large species that can easily be identified as resembling a turtle. At this location, Dr. Merck explained the Museum curator’s love for turtles, and the constant debate about where turtles belong within the phylogeny. It was believed that turtles were closely related to some sauropods, but Dr. Merck explained that this was proved differently. Despite this, the turtles and sauropods remain neighbors in the exhibit. It would be difficult to move these large sections of the exhibit, which is likely why they haven’t been altered, but the change would be extremely beneficial to the accuracy of the floor’s phylogeny.

The hall has several plastic models so people can get a closer look at certain structures. This includes a model of the jaw and a model of the amniote egg. These models were effective at providing more information for those interested in it. They also provide insight that the hall is aimed at those who may not have much or any knowledge of these evolutionary processes or what these structures look like. Thus, the hall is not necessarily targeted to young children, but likely to the average person who may not have extensive knowledge about evolution. This hall also had the same types of screens as in the Dinosaur Hall to provide an interactive experience. They didn’t seem very effective though, considering no one was using them.