Are dinosaurs really extinct?  Evidence suggests that one group of dinosaurs survived the mass extinction 65.5 million years ago and can be found all over the world today. These avian theropod dinosaurs are modern birds.  This course will investigate the evolutionary relationship between extinct theropod dinosaurs like Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus rex and birds.  We will explore paleontological evidence found in the fossil record that shows shared anatomical characteristics and behaviors between birds and extinct theropods.  We will also learn how paleontologists collect, prepare and analyze fossils and how cladistics is used to establish relationships between extinct and living species.   

Meeting Times: Fridays: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Meeting Dates: 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31