Available online
Description
The programme examines the problem of interpreting the appearance and lifestyle of extinct animals from their fossils. It features a classic example of misinterpretation, that of Iguanodon, an orni...thischian dinosaur.
The programme examines the problem of interpreting the appearance and lifestyle of extinct animals from their fossils. It features a classic example of misinterpretation, that of Iguanodon, an orni...thischian dinosaur.
| Module code and title: | S364, Evolution |
|---|---|
| Item code: | S364; 07 |
| First transmission date: | 30-05-1981 |
| Published: | 1981 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | P. L Firstbrook |
| Contributors: | John Ostron; Caroline Pond |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Evolution; Fossils; Iguanodon; Mammals; Reptiles; Stegosaurus |
| Footage description: | Exterior and interior shots of the Natural History Museum, London. Brief introduction by Caroline Pond. Over shots of an Iguanodon skeleton, an Iguanodon tooth, models, drawings and paintings of the animal, Caroline Pond puts forward the Victorian interpretation of its anatomy and physiology. Using shots of several living diapsid reptiles, crocodiles, snakes and lizards, commentary explains why the Victorians arrived at their interpretation of the fossils. Shots of a model and painting of an Iguanodon according to the Victorian model. Caroline Pond then poses the question of why the Victorians were so wrong in their interpretation of Iguanadon fossils. Animated diagrams of Iguanodon. Over shots of lizards and crocodiles, commentary explains what is meant by ectotherm and goes on to explain how reptiles regulate their body temperatures. The disadvantages of being an ectothermic animal are pointed out. Over shots of lizards and snakes, commentary points out that most reptiles are diurnal animals. The advantages of being warm blooded are discussed. Shots of coypu and camels at Regent Park Zoo. However, commentary also points out that warm blooded animals must consume a great deal more food than ectotherms just to maintain body temperature. Shots of lizards. Caroline Pond speculates that early mammals were nocturnal animals. She cites the relatively small eyes of mammals and the well developed whiskers found in most as evidence. Shots of mice, hedgehogs, otters, kitten, squirrel, deer and antelope. Caroline then returns to the advantages of being warm blooded. Shots of a horse and lizard on a tread mill. Shots of a human baby suckling and of squirrel with its offspring. Commentary discusses, briefly, the close relationship between endothermy, fur, whiskers, sweat and milk. Shots of monotremes, primitive mammals which have retained many reptilian features. These animals secrete milk but don't have nipples. The young lap milk from the mother's fur. Caroline Pond, next to the skeleton of Iguanodon in the Natural History Museum, applies some of the information learned above to an interpretation of Iguanodon. She concludes that it probably did not have fur but may well have been warm blooded. John Ostrom examines the skeleton of Stegosaurus and points to the features, particularly the dorsal plates, which indicate that the animal had a sophisticated temperature control mechanism. Caroline Pond joins in. Animations of Stegosaurus, animations of various other prehistoric reptiles and shots of a tortoise as she talks. Over shots of a snake, of crocodiles feeding and of crocodiles basking in the sun, Caroline Pond summarises the programme. |
| Master spool number: | HOU3603 |
| Production number: | FOUS125E |
| Videofinder number: | 2058 |
| Available to public: | no |
