Dr. Jingmai O’Connor is a vertebrate paleontologist, Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles, and lead researcher for the Chicago Archaeopteryx at The Field Museum. In this episode of Ignition Sequence, Jingmai takes us on an exploration of paleontology, dinosaurs, and avian evolution. Known as the “punk rock paleontologist,” Dr. O’Connor shares her unconventional journey into the field, the groundbreaking discoveries in bird fossils, and her passion for science communication.
From the significance of Archaeopteryx to the mysteries of dinosaur flight and extinction, Dr. O’Connor unpacks the fascinating connections between prehistoric creatures and the world we live in today. Whether it’s understanding how birds survived the Cretaceous extinction or why studying ancient life is crucial in addressing the planet’s current biodiversity decline, this conversation will ignite your curiosity and expand your appreciation for life’s evolutionary tapestry.
What You’ll Learn:
1. The Legacy of Archaeopteryx
Why this fossil is considered one of the most important discoveries in evolutionary biology.
2. Birds as Living Dinosaurs
How fossils reveal the deep connection between ancient dinosaurs and modern birds.
3. Evolution of Flight
Did flight evolve once or multiple times among dinosaurs?
4. Paleontology and Sustainability
How the fossil record helps predict and mitigate the impacts of the current mass extinction.
5. The Importance of Science Communication
Why representation and passion are vital in making science accessible and inspiring future generations.
Timestamps:
00:00:27 - Introduction: Dr. Jingmai O’Connor, the “punk rock paleontologist”
00:10:06 - The Field Museum dinosaur collection including Sue the T-Rex
00:11:50 - The significance of Archaeopteryx as a Jurassic bird
00:18:10 - Birds as living dinosaurs: The fossil evidence and evolutionary connections
00:27:30 - Why birds survived the Cretaceous mass extinction while other dinosaurs did not
00:35:46 - Paleontology’s role in addressing the current mass extinction crisis
00:44:17 - How new technologies like Raman spectroscopy are transforming fossil analysis
00:52:00 - The mystery of dinosaur flight and what fossils reveal about powered flight evolution
Links and Resources:
Learn more about the Field Museum: www.fieldmuseum.org
Follow Jingmaihttps://instagram.com/paleontologista/ https://x.com/Paleontologista
Learn more about Jingmai and her work https://paleontologista.com/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jingmai-Oconnor
Jingmai's children’s book When Dinosaurs Conquered the Skies https://www.amazon.com/When-Dinosaurs-Conquered-Skies-incredible/dp/0711275157
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