Category Archives: Key Concepts

On continua and categories in paleoecology. . .or, an example application of ODP data

Posted on July 14, 2011 by Andy Farke

Today we’re delighted to have a guest post from Dr. Chris Noto, a new assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and an old friend of mine from our graduate school days together at Stony Brook University. Chris has had a … Continue reading →

Posted in Data Exploration, Key Concepts, Relevant Research | 9 Comments

Radius, Not Ulna

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Andy Farke

As you may recall from your own background knowledge or from this tutorial, the forearm includes two bones: radius and ulna. One of the core analyses we’re going to be looking at is the proportions of the forearm relative to … Continue reading →

Posted in Key Concepts, Miscellaneous | 3 Comments

Beware the Shifting Catalog Number

Posted on February 12, 2010 by Andy Farke

Those who have contributed to the ODP over the last few months know that a single specimen might have measurements featured in 2, 3, 4, or more separate scientific papers. In order to keep data entry and verification as transparent … Continue reading →

Posted in Basics, Key Concepts | 4 Comments

Key Concepts: Scaling

Posted on October 19, 2009 by Andy Farke

Anyone who has dealt with puppies, kittens, or human babies has probably noticed their freakish (“cute”) body proportions relative to adults. The heads are too big and the limbs too small! Fortunately, most of us grow out of this condition … Continue reading →

Posted in Key Concepts | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Key Concepts: Osteology II (The Hindlimb)

Posted on September 17, 2009 by Andy Farke

In a recent post, we gave an introduction to the osteology of the forelimb. Now, we’ll round out that series with a consideration of the hind limb. Fortunately, many of the concepts are the same, so we’ll be able to … Continue reading →

Posted in Key Concepts | Tagged | 3 Comments

Key Concepts: Osteology I (The Forelimb)

Posted on September 15, 2009 by Andy Farke

Osteology is the study of bones. Recognizing that not everyone here is completely familiar with all of the relevant names and features, this post will cover a brief tutorial of limb osteology and terminology in dinosaurs. Broadly speaking, anatomists usually … Continue reading →

Posted in Key Concepts, Tutorials | Tagged | 16 Comments