The idea comes from a basic paleontology housekeeping issue: Over the years, lots of dinosaur bones have been found, measured, recorded and published in the literature. But this literature is everywhere and in many different formats: some online, some in libraries. The Open Dinosaur Project's purpose is to put all these measurements into one place -- to make a master list of sorts. By reviewing information that's never been compared side-by-side before, the project's leads hope we'll learn something new about dinosaur function and evolution.
The deadline for data submissions is Feb. 1, 2010, and the only participation requirement is a desire to do good science and keep it accessible. So yes, you can be a paleontologist submitting measurements for bones you've dusted yourself, or a high school student with a library card and an interest in dinosaurs.
If you want to learn more, project head Andy Farke will be speaking tomorrow at ScienceOnline2010. He'll be streaming live through the RTP Stream from 2:00 to 3:05 p.m., EST, Saturday, Jan. 16.
Photo credit: A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton known as Sue stands on display in Washington, D.C. What are your measurements, Sue? (Mark Wilson/Newsmakers)
Tags: Animal Anatomy, Paleontology, Scientific Discoveries, Student Science
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