Animal Science

We can visualize how tall certain dinosaurs probably were by reassembling their skeletons, but how do we determine the body weight of a dinosaur? For about 25 years, paleontologists have used a statistical model to estimate the weight of giant dinosaurs. Recently, Colorado State University researchers have pointed out that this model may be seriously flawed – leading them to believe those dinosaurs may only be half as heavy as originally thought.

Statistical Estimation

The weight of a dinosaur must be estimated, since there are no full remains to place on a scale. Here is a basic formula:

• Calculate volume of the dinosaur based on skeletal structure
• Use average weight of bone and tissue per unit volume to calculate mass
  
  

A statistical model, developed in 1985, can be used to calculate mass of large animals, but seems to be more accurate for smaller animals. The model has also been used to calculate brain and egg size.

Problem Discovered

Researchers at George Mason University have found many errors in the calculations related to some of the largest animals. The issue came to life when researchers used the model to calculate the weight of living animals that can actually be weighed on a scale to verify the results; animals such as a hippopotamus and elephant were used in these tests. The statistical equation "greatly overestimated" the weight.

A Potential Solution

Researchers are working on a new model based on bone dimensions. The concept is that bigger animals require bigger bones to support them. Research indicates that dinosaurs might have been less bulky than originally thought. If so, muscle mass, movement, eating and breathing habits would all have been different as well.

For example, the Tyrannosaurus Rex could have been smaller. Smaller size could mean faster speed and agility. Better hunting skills would in-turn lead to an increased choice in prey, too.

You can see how your favorite dinosaur sizes up on this website.

Resources:

http://www.physorg.com/news164866282.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090621195620.htm

http://www.uky.edu/KGS/education/dinosaurs_weight.htm

http://dinosaurs.suite101.com/article.cfm/dinosaurs_smaller_than_thought

Here's a collection of stories about the unusual to get your weekend started:

View a gallery of images of endangered butterflies.

An elephant as small as a rabbit?

Animal dads, like seahorses, that do most of the work.

Cat shot with arrow - survives!

First wolverine seen in Colorado since 1919.

Ticks, toxins, and time spent around other animals are all inevitable when the weather warms up and humans and animals alike spend more time outdoors. Spring is a popular time for veterinary examinations, blood work, and any necessary vaccinations.

Although the many health concerns and corresponding treatment options can be abundant, finding a good vet to help you make wise decisions can also be a challenge. A little research, however, can help you connect with just the right person – making everything much easier.

Due to reorganization at the veterinary hospital where I used to take my beagles, I had to find a new veterinarian to care for them. One of my dogs is older and has special needs, so it couldn't be any old practice – it needed to be just the right place. The following steps can be helpful in searching for the best veterinarian for you and your animals.

Steps to Finding the Ideal Vet

1. Qualifications are Key – Many credible veterinarians belong to trade associations like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Obviously, a doctor that has a veterinary degree is important. Look for those who have graduated from programs accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Some vets are current members of the AMVA, too. If you are interested in a vet that caters to specific concerns, there are organizations for specializations like holistic care (AHVMA), or acupuncture (IVAS). Friends can also be good referral sources.

2. Necessary Needs – Once you find a vet who is qualified and located near you, give the office a call to set up an appointment. While on the phone, ask if the office can meet any special requirements, such as titers instead of vaccines or farm calls for a single horse. Ask for an estimate if budget is a concern. If you have an unusual or exotic pet, ask if the veterinary staff has experience treating that type of animal. Does the office have emergency hours, or would you need to transport your pet to a separate facility (and a veterinarian who would have no information about the animal's history)?

3. Personality is a Plus – Even during the first phone call, think about the way you are treated. Is the person on the other end of the line patient, friendly, and knowledgeable? During your first visit, are you greeted warmly? Do people take the time to answer any questions you have when your pet is first seen? Does the actual vet ever see the animal, or is it an assistant or technician? Consider the veterinarian's philosophies and personality. If you do not feel comfortable with this vet's treatment plan, it may be wise to seek out another professional.

4. Facility Features – Give the location a good long look. Is it clean, well-lit, and up-to-date? A facility that's well cared for translates to animals that are also looked after. The staff should also be pleasant toward the animals, of course. If special testing or services are important to you, ask if they are available on site. If not, ask if the veterinarian can recommend treatment elsewhere. Most vets have close relationships with specialists and can refer you.

5. Policies & Procedures – Make sure that you understand any rules the veterinarian has in place. Keep in mind that if the hospital is affiliated with any corporation, the rules could be in place for that reason, too. Specific examination procedures, testing requirements, dispensing of medication, payment methods, and appointment scheduling are some examples of policies you should ask about if they concern you.

These guidelines are all helpful in choosing a veterinarian. Depending on individual needs, there may be more criteria to consider. For example, when looking for a surgeon for a specialty procedure, it may be helpful to ask how many similar procedures have been performed and what the success rate is. Some vets may be willing to provide references. Doing some homework is worth it in the long run, and helps maintain healthy animals with fewer headaches for their owners!

Resources:

http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/aboutvets/aboutvets.asp

http://www.care.com/pet-care-a04231724-veterinarians-how-to-choose-a-vet.html

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/choosing_a_veterinarian.html

http://www.readersdigest.ca/mag/2002/08/pet.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterinarian

Whether you love reptiles or hate them (or just want to learn more!) this is the place to be. Hello, CR4! It's Vi Pham here. This summer, I'll be blogging along with SavvyExacta in the Animal Science blog. Now I'm no expert, but I am learning quite a bit about reptiles these days. So, I'd like to share my knowledge, opinions, and experiences with you; hopefully spark some discussions; and learn a thing or two from you.

Kids n Critters

My passion for reptiles started about five years ago, with a program called Kids n Critters. In a far corner of the local high school was a room referred to as "The Snake Room". This was where the Kids n Critters program members went. I had heard about it many times, but had never actually seen it.

One day, I decided to stop by. The walls were lined with cages with at least one hundred snakes and lizards of all shapes and sizes. What a sight to see! Honestly, it was a little overwhelming, too. Then one of the kids took out a snake, told me about it, and gave the snake to me to hold. From then on I was hooked!

Almost every day, I volunteered my time, caring for and learning about the reptiles in the Snake Room. Somehow, I even managed to gain the reputation of "overprotective mother".

Field Trips and More

Every month or so, I would join members of Kids n Critters on trips to local elementary schools to teach the students (and very often the teachers, too) about reptiles. Since then, the program has grown and I've moved away; however, my enthusiasm for reptiles is greater than ever.

I'm now the proud "parent" of five snakes and one bearded dragon. I still go and visit the Snake Room every once in a while to see how the animals are doing, meet new program members, and hear crazy stories about their elementary school trips.

And now without all the elementary school-goers and fellow program members to teach and learn from, I turn to you, the CR4 community. I hope will enjoy this blog as much as I will.

Future Topics

My other blog entries will consist of several multi-part series. The first two will be about snakes and lizards. The entries in each series will discuss different species, habitat, anatomy, locomotion, hunting and eating, behavior and defense, pet care, etc. From time to time, I will also share my own experiences and post pictures relevant to each blog entry.

So here we go! I look forward to working with you this summer.

This week's animal stories range from those about pets to wildlife:

Fastest flying animal may be a hummingbird.

Cats are the guards of choice in a Russian museum.

Saratoga Racecourse to hold moose racing?

Kid flushes puppy; puppy lives!

Endangered Hawaiian monk seals get expanded critical habitat.