This exhibition explores the continuing legacy of dinosaurs, revealing how their evolutionary story lives on in modern birds. It highlights the scientific connection between ancient dinosaurs and the thousands of species of birds that inhabit the planet today, supported by extensive fossil evidence.
The exhibition "Dinosaurs Among Us" posits that the era of dinosaurs is not a relic of the past but a living reality, continuing through the diverse species of birds that populate our world today. It delves into the extraordinary evolutionary journey that began with the shared ancestors of birds and extinct dinosaurs, tracing the path to the nearly 11,000 species of modern birds. Recent scientific discoveries and abundant fossil evidence have blurred the lines between what were once distinctly categorized as dinosaurs and birds. Visitors will journey through this fascinating narrative, understanding how the challenges faced by ancient creatures millions of years ago ultimately led to the survival and diversification of avian life. Created by the American Museum of Natural History, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at paleontology and evolutionary biology, emphasizing the profound and ongoing connection between these ancient giants and their feathered descendants.
The exhibition's narrative underscores the scientific consensus that birds are essentially modern-day dinosaurs. It details the environmental pressures and evolutionary adaptations that favored certain lineages, leading to the survival of avian ancestors while other dinosaur groups perished. The presentation of fossil evidence is key to illustrating this transition, allowing visitors to visualize the morphological changes and shared characteristics. Supported by a consortium of museums including the Museo de Ciencias de la Universidad de Navarra, the North Museum of Nature and Science, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, the Universum Museo de las Ciencias de la UNAM, and the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, "Dinosaurs Among Us" provides an engaging and informative experience that reshapes our understanding of dinosaur extinction and evolution.