Jurassic World | Jack Horner | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Paleontologist Jack Horner discusses his role in the Jurassic Park franchise and his research on dinosaurs, including the possibility of creating a chickenosaurus.

Transcript

DAN KLEIN: Hey, everyone. Welcome to Talks at Google. My name is Dana Han-Klein, and today it is my pleasure to introduce Jack Horner, paleontologist and professor at Montana State University. He is a consultant on the Jurassic Park franchise, and was a consultant on this latest one, "Jurassic World." Welcome. JACK HORNER: Thank you. [APPLAUSE] DAN... Read More

Key Insights

• 👀 Horner's role as a consultant in the Jurassic Park franchise involved ensuring the dinosaurs looked realistic while still being visually appealing.
• 🎥 The incorporation of scientific accuracy in movies is often a topic of debate and compromise.
• 🦕 Paleontologists can determine dinosaur behavior by analyzing geological evidence and studying various features of fossils.
• 🐦 The chickenosaurus project aims to manipulate genetic pathways to recreate ancestral dinosaur traits in birds.
• 💖 Films like Jurassic Park have played a significant role in sparking interest in paleontology and attracting more students to the field.
• 😷 There are ongoing discussions about the ethical implications of genetic engineering and the potential applications of these technologies in animal conservation and medical research.
• 🦕 The extinction of non-avian dinosaurs was likely caused by a catastrophic event, and birds, as avian dinosaurs, survived and continued to evolve.
• 👻 The extensive time span between the late Jurassic period and the extinction event allowed for the evolution of a wide variety of dinosaur characteristics.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were some of the scientific accuracy concerns in the Jurassic Park movies?

One concern was the appearance of the velociraptors without feathers, despite evidence supporting their presence in real velociraptors. Another concern was the running speed of dinosaurs, which was exaggerated for cinematic effect.

Q: What were some of the questions you were asked as a consultant for the movies?

As a consultant, Horner's main job was to ensure that the dinosaurs looked realistic based on the scientific knowledge of the time. He was asked to advise on their appearance and behavior, as well as provide accurate information on dinosaur biology.

Q: How do paleontologists determine dinosaur behavior based on their remains?

Paleontologists can study geological evidence, such as nesting sites, to determine how dinosaurs cared for their young and brought them food. They can also analyze the skeletal features of juveniles and adults to understand their growth and social dynamics.

Q: What insights have been gained from studying dinosaur fossils?

Through studying dinosaur fossils, researchers have discovered that dinosaurs cared for their young, had different characteristics during different stages of growth, and exhibited behaviors similar to modern social animals. They have also gained insights into bone structure, teeth differences, and evolutionary adaptations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jack Horner shares his experience as a consultant for the Jurassic Park franchise and discusses the inspiration behind the character of Alan Grant.

• He talks about the challenges of incorporating scientific accuracy into the movies, such as the debate over the appearance of velociraptors with feathers.

• Horner explains his research on dinosaur behavior and how studying fossils can reveal insights into their parenting, growth, and social dynamics.

• He also discusses his efforts to create a dinosaur-chicken hybrid, known as the chickenosaurus, by manipulating genetic pathways.