Articles for category: Dino Culture & Pop Media

Illustration of Brontosaurus in the water, and Diplodocus on land.

How Artists Rebuild Prehistoric Skin, Muscle, and Fat Layers

Prehistoric creatures have captivated human imagination for centuries, from dinosaurs that ruled the Earth for millions of years to ancient mammals that roamed ice-age landscapes. While paleontologists can study fossilized bones to understand the skeletal structure of these extinct animals, the soft tissues—skin, muscles, and fat—typically don’t survive the fossilization process. This is where paleoartists ...

female paleontologist

Before Dr. Sattler: The Evolution of Female Paleontologists in Pop Culture

When Dr. Ellie Sattler stepped onto the screen in 1993’s “Jurassic Park,” she represented a watershed moment for the portrayal of women in scientific fields within popular culture. With her khaki shorts, practical knowledge, and refusal to be sidelined, Laura Dern’s character became an instant icon for aspiring female scientists. However, the evolution of female ...

Toy dinosaurs in bright colors are displayed on a light surface. A prominent orange dinosaur is in focus, surrounded by yellow and green figures. Playful mood.

Dino Fiction for Middle-Graders Who Love Adventure

In the vast landscape of children’s literature, few subjects capture the imagination quite like dinosaurs. These prehistoric creatures, with their massive size, sharp teeth, and mysterious extinction, provide the perfect backdrop for thrilling adventures that middle-grade readers crave. Dinosaur fiction combines scientific facts with creative storytelling, taking young readers on journeys through prehistoric jungles, time-travel ...

green dinosaur

Were Dinosaurs Actually Green? Debunking Classic Tropes

When we think of dinosaurs, certain images immediately spring to mind: towering, scaly creatures with predominantly green or grayish-brown skin. This visual representation has been cemented in our collective consciousness through decades of films, television shows, books, and museum displays. From the early stop-motion dinosaurs of the 1925 film “The Lost World” to the groundbreaking ...

Hollywood Has Changed the Way We Imagine Dinosaurs

How Movies and Museums Influence Public Perception of Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs have captivated human imagination since their first fossil discoveries in the 19th century. However, most people never encounter actual dinosaur remains in their natural state. Instead, our understanding and perception of these prehistoric creatures come primarily through two cultural institutions: movies and museums. These powerful mediators shape how we visualize dinosaurs, what we believe ...