Nesting traits and ontogenetic changes in Dinosauria

恐龙的筑巢特征和个体发育变化

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-04854
• 负责人: Zelenitsky, Darla
• 金额: $ 2.91万
• 依托单位: University of Calgary
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=755111
• 关键词: Nesting; traits; ontogenetic; changes; Dinosauria

Our knowledge of the paleobiology of dinosaurs and the habitats in which they lived is based on an understanding of fossils and of the geological context in which they occur. Despite the occurrence of exquisitely preserved fossils, the fossil record is biased in terms of preservation and thus many aspects of dinosaur biology are not directly observable or are not preserved. In recent years, an increase in the number of discoveries of eggs, embryos and juveniles of dinosaurs have allowed paleontologists to begin to investigate poorly known aspects of dinosaur biology, including nesting, reproduction, and early growth, but many research avenues within these areas remain to be explored. The long-term objective of my research program is to advance our knowledge of the reproduction and development of dinosaurs through the study of dinosaur fossils and their paleoenvironmental settings and through comparisons with the closest living relatives of dinosaurs: birds and crocodiles. The current program will feed into this long-term objective by investigating research themes related to: 1) paleoenvironmental reconstruction of nesting sites in order to understand nesting habitats, behaviors, and adaptations among dinosaurs; and 2) morphological changes that occurred as animals grew in order to understand growth patterns and the timing of development of features and behaviors among dinosaurs. Ultimately, understanding the evolutionary history of these various traits and behaviors among dinosaurs will provide insight into the origin of birds, and significantly advance our knowledge of dinosaur paleobiology and paleoecology. The field work portion of this research will primarily take place in the badlands of Alberta, a province that is known for its world-class dinosaur discoveries. The research program will also result in the discovery of new fossil specimens, species, and localities through field studies and museum/lab work, leading to the protection and preservation of fossils for future generations. In addition to contributing to our scientific knowledge and training and teaching of many students, results of this research will be relayed to the general public through outreach events, museum exhibits, presentations, popular books, magazines, and news media.

我们对恐龙古生物学及其居住的栖息地的了解是基于对化石和发生地质环境的理解。尽管发生了精美保存的化石，但化石记录在保存方面还是有偏见的，因此恐龙生物学的许多方面尚未直接观察到或没有保留。近年来，鸡蛋，胚胎胚胎和少年的发现数量增加，使古生物学家开始研究恐龙生物学的鲜为人知的方面，包括筑巢，繁殖和早期生长，但这些地区内的许多研究道路仍然可以探索。我的研究计划的长期目标是通过研究恐龙化石及其古环境环境，并与恐龙的最接近生物亲戚进行比较：通过研究恐龙化石及其恐龙化石：鸟类和鳄鱼。当前的程序将通过研究与以下方面相关的研究主题来实现这一长期目标：1）筑巢地点的古环境重建，以了解恐龙的嵌套栖息地，行为和适应性； 2）随着动物的成长，发生的形态变化是为了了解恐龙中特征和行为的发展时机。最终，了解恐龙中这些各种特征和行为的进化历史将提供对鸟类起源的见解，并显着提高我们对恐龙古生物学和古生态学的了解。这项研究的现场工作部分将主要发生在以世界一流的恐龙发现而闻名的艾伯塔省的荒地。该研究计划还将通过现场研究和博物馆/实验室工作发现新的化石标本，物种和地区，从而为子孙后代提供了化石的保护和保存。除了为许多学生的科学知识，培训和教学做出贡献外，这项研究的结果还将通过外展活动，博物馆展览，演讲，流行书籍，杂志和新闻媒体传达给公众。