Field Trip Exercise: Natural History Museum Los Angeles
Describe the changes in meteorological and geographical conditions since the age of dinosaurs.
A very large change in meteorological conditions since the age of dinosaurs is earths climate. This has been occurring since about 65 million years ago when dinosaurs were extinct. During the dinosaur age, the earth did not experience drastic climate change which is why there were not any ice ages. The weather was, tropical, humid, and wet. Dinosaurs were able to survive on land and water but now our weather would be too cold as would our oceans. In the dinosaur age, the geographical conditions differed because of the fact that the earth was one large continent known as Pangaea. As time went on, Pangaea began to separate and the continent began to look a lot like what it did today. Also, many parts of our earth today are not much desert, or tropical with plants and water, which is not fit for dinosaurs.
Name and describe at least three possible dinosaur ancestors (or precursors) to modern birds.
Maniraptoran theropods are a group of small carnivorous dinosaurs which birds evolved from. One of these precursors is the Alvarezsauridae. The first fossils of this group of dinosaurs were found in the 1990’s. Many of these fossils have been found in China, United States, and Europe. These birds were not known to be fighters because of their weaker body characteristics. Typically they ranged from 1-6 feet tall. Another group of precursor dinosaurs related to birds is the Therizinosauria. This group was found mostly found in parts of China and North America. These dinosaurs had somewhat weirds bodies because of their long necks, torso’s, and short arms. They were extremely tall and measured at about 35ft. Lastly, the Pennaraptora were another group from about 100+ million years ago. These dinosaurs were known to have feathers which resembles more a bird. They typically had smaller bodies with longer tails and shorter arms.
Describe any unique environmental features that might have led to the development of flying dinosaurs and eventually birds.
One environmental feature that might have led to the development of flying dinosaurs would be the changes in the geographics of the earth. For example, if the continent of Pangea began to split, these flying dinosaurs were adapting to their environment by having the special skill and advantage of still being able to travel.
Describe the unique physical changes that were necessary to support flight in flying dinosaurs and later birds and what environmental pressures may have selected for them.
Unique physical changes that were necessary to support flight in flying in order for dinosaurs to utilize their ability. For example, may of these dinosaurs that would fly had wings and feathers which would support warmer body temperature. Not to mention, an extremely important aspect was the way their bodies began to shrink while other dinosaurs were becoming larger. Their size was an important factor because it was how they were beginning to enter a new evolutionary aspect that would later relate very closely to modern birds. Clearly, it is much easier for smaller and lighter things to fly. With ability to move faster, these dinosaurs were adapting to their environments in order to prepare for what they would evolutionize to, birds.
List and describe at least ten animal species that currently exist in California.
You may have no more than four species from one class (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes).
The Black-hooded Parakeet (bird) is from the aratinga nenday species and the Arantinga genus. This bird is non-native but rather introduced to the Los Angeles area. This bird ranges from extremely small sizes and is typically a green color.
The Condor (bird) comes from the species of new world vultures and the Monotypic genus. This bird is typically found in the west coast mountains of california. The number of these condors in California is not very extensive.
The Tule Elk (mammal) from the elk species and the Cervus genus is typically found in the central valley of California. It is certain the these Tule Elk may be found in Northern California.
The California Clapper Rail (bird) from the rallus obsoletus species and Rallus resides near the San Francisco Bay. This bird is endangered because of the wetlands near his habitat.
The San Francisco Garter Snake (reptile) is from the subspecies of the common garter snake and from the Thamnophis genus. It has blue and red colors which set it apart from other reptiles. Because of city construction, its main habitat of wetlands has been removed and so it has typically been found around areas with more rain in California.
The California Newt originated from the newt endemic species and the Taricha genus. It ranges to be a few inches but never more than twelve. They typically come out during wet seasons because it is when they mate. They can be found in Berkeley.
The Golden Trout ( fish) is a subspecies of the rainbow trout. It is from the Oncorhynchus genus. Typically they are only found in California. Although because of their interesting color and taste, they are transported all over.
The Big Horn Sheep (mammal) is from the o. canadensis species. It is of the Ovis genus. This sheep is known for its unique large horns which can weigh up to thirty pounds. These sheep are typically found throughout North America and are not of endangered concern.
The Tailed Frog (amphibian) known from the frog species is from the Ascaphus genus. This frog is known to be found in fast moving water in California, such as streams. The tails they have are only found in males which are used during mating.
The Western Fence Lizard (reptile) is from the sceloporus occidentalis species and the Sceloporus genus. These lizards are known for their color and bright-blue bellies. Their colors appear to be more faded on females and brighter on males.