Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
@elevationscience.bsky.social
Hands-on paleontology in Montana.
Research. Education. Outreach.
Fossil digs, field courses, and behind-the-scenes science!
Research. Education. Outreach.
Fossil digs, field courses, and behind-the-scenes science!
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
Celebrating Intl Day of Women & Girls in Science with a nod to our STEEM (science, technology, engineering, environment & math) Summer Campers! www.montananaturalist.org/summer-camps/
February 11, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Celebrating Intl Day of Women & Girls in Science with a nod to our STEEM (science, technology, engineering, environment & math) Summer Campers! www.montananaturalist.org/summer-camps/
Happy International Women and Girls in Science Day!
Proud to work alongside so many brilliant women, past and present, and excited for the future scientists who will shape what comes next.
Proud to work alongside so many brilliant women, past and present, and excited for the future scientists who will shape what comes next.
February 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Happy International Women and Girls in Science Day!
Proud to work alongside so many brilliant women, past and present, and excited for the future scientists who will shape what comes next.
Proud to work alongside so many brilliant women, past and present, and excited for the future scientists who will shape what comes next.
This is why we do this.
Real science, shared with real people.
Real science, shared with real people.
February 10, 2026 at 6:34 PM
This is why we do this.
Real science, shared with real people.
Real science, shared with real people.
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
Maybe a bit late for web timing, but ehy, NEW PAPER ON #fossilfriday!!!
I am proud to present you Haolong dongi gen. nov. sp. nov., a new hadrosauroid from the Early Cretaceous of China!
The specimen, almost complete, is a juvenile iguanodontian from the Yixian Formation of the Barremian (125 Mya).
I am proud to present you Haolong dongi gen. nov. sp. nov., a new hadrosauroid from the Early Cretaceous of China!
The specimen, almost complete, is a juvenile iguanodontian from the Yixian Formation of the Barremian (125 Mya).
February 6, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Maybe a bit late for web timing, but ehy, NEW PAPER ON #fossilfriday!!!
I am proud to present you Haolong dongi gen. nov. sp. nov., a new hadrosauroid from the Early Cretaceous of China!
The specimen, almost complete, is a juvenile iguanodontian from the Yixian Formation of the Barremian (125 Mya).
I am proud to present you Haolong dongi gen. nov. sp. nov., a new hadrosauroid from the Early Cretaceous of China!
The specimen, almost complete, is a juvenile iguanodontian from the Yixian Formation of the Barremian (125 Mya).
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
"Move over Pachycephalosaurus, there's a new headbutting dinosaur from late Cretaceous western North America!"
#Dinosaurs #Paleontology #Mexico
#Dinosaurs #Paleontology #Mexico
A completely new type of headbutting dinosaur discovered in Mexico
Move over Pachycephalosaurus, there’s a new headbutting dinosaur from late Cretaceous western North America!
kjbritt.github.io
February 8, 2026 at 1:14 AM
"Move over Pachycephalosaurus, there's a new headbutting dinosaur from late Cretaceous western North America!"
#Dinosaurs #Paleontology #Mexico
#Dinosaurs #Paleontology #Mexico
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
The new iguanodont with novel skin coverings. In addition to the large scute-like scales on the tail, the body is covered with what the author's describe as "spikes". The largest ones are about 4 cm long but almost a cm thick, resembling short quills. The smaller ones are hair or eyelash-like.
February 9, 2026 at 12:04 AM
The new iguanodont with novel skin coverings. In addition to the large scute-like scales on the tail, the body is covered with what the author's describe as "spikes". The largest ones are about 4 cm long but almost a cm thick, resembling short quills. The smaller ones are hair or eyelash-like.
Hands-on science experiences are some of the most memorable, especially for families.
We’re excited for Dinosaur Discovery Days and the chance to help people connect with fossils, Earth history, and real paleontology.
We’re excited for Dinosaur Discovery Days and the chance to help people connect with fossils, Earth history, and real paleontology.
February 6, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Hands-on science experiences are some of the most memorable, especially for families.
We’re excited for Dinosaur Discovery Days and the chance to help people connect with fossils, Earth history, and real paleontology.
We’re excited for Dinosaur Discovery Days and the chance to help people connect with fossils, Earth history, and real paleontology.
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
One of the best things about fieldwork is how it slows you down; you learn to notice small details that most people walk right past.
February 5, 2026 at 6:40 PM
One of the best things about fieldwork is how it slows you down; you learn to notice small details that most people walk right past.
Sometimes, the unglamorous parts of science are the ones that teach us the most...
Like how to dig a drainage trench to keep the rainwater away!
Like how to dig a drainage trench to keep the rainwater away!
February 3, 2026 at 9:11 PM
Sometimes, the unglamorous parts of science are the ones that teach us the most...
Like how to dig a drainage trench to keep the rainwater away!
Like how to dig a drainage trench to keep the rainwater away!
What is prospecting?
In paleontology, prospecting means carefully scanning and exploring the landscape for fossils exposed at the surface. Several of our active dig sites were first discovered this way by participants, proof that just being observant can lead to real scientific discoveries!
In paleontology, prospecting means carefully scanning and exploring the landscape for fossils exposed at the surface. Several of our active dig sites were first discovered this way by participants, proof that just being observant can lead to real scientific discoveries!
January 30, 2026 at 6:01 PM
What is prospecting?
In paleontology, prospecting means carefully scanning and exploring the landscape for fossils exposed at the surface. Several of our active dig sites were first discovered this way by participants, proof that just being observant can lead to real scientific discoveries!
In paleontology, prospecting means carefully scanning and exploring the landscape for fossils exposed at the surface. Several of our active dig sites were first discovered this way by participants, proof that just being observant can lead to real scientific discoveries!
Awesome new blog post about our latest research paper! 🦕
My latest article. #Paleontology #Montana
"A new discovery is extending the known range of one sauropod species, while also providing supporting evidence for an intriguing environmental hypothesis."
@elevationscience.bsky.social
"A new discovery is extending the known range of one sauropod species, while also providing supporting evidence for an intriguing environmental hypothesis."
@elevationscience.bsky.social
A single neckbone proves this dinosaur once roamed Montana
A new discovery is extending the known range of one sauropod species, while also providing supporting evidence for an intriguing environmental hypothesis.
kjbritt.github.io
January 29, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Awesome new blog post about our latest research paper! 🦕
Paleo Bites Episode 4: Types of Fossilization (Part Two)
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we explore some of the more rare preservation pathways; soft-tissue fossils, amber, freezing, and natural asphalt.
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we explore some of the more rare preservation pathways; soft-tissue fossils, amber, freezing, and natural asphalt.
January 29, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Paleo Bites Episode 4: Types of Fossilization (Part Two)
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we explore some of the more rare preservation pathways; soft-tissue fossils, amber, freezing, and natural asphalt.
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we explore some of the more rare preservation pathways; soft-tissue fossils, amber, freezing, and natural asphalt.
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
Evolution of the avian jaw joint and middle ear: bioone.org/journals/zoo... 🪶🧪 (📷Watanabe et al.)
January 27, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Evolution of the avian jaw joint and middle ear: bioone.org/journals/zoo... 🪶🧪 (📷Watanabe et al.)
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
Our window for scholarship applications closes February 5th! Apply today and join us for fun and nature this summer!
Learn more: www.montananaturalist.org/summer-camps/
#MNHCcamps #summercamps #scholarships
Learn more: www.montananaturalist.org/summer-camps/
#MNHCcamps #summercamps #scholarships
January 28, 2026 at 7:14 PM
Our window for scholarship applications closes February 5th! Apply today and join us for fun and nature this summer!
Learn more: www.montananaturalist.org/summer-camps/
#MNHCcamps #summercamps #scholarships
Learn more: www.montananaturalist.org/summer-camps/
#MNHCcamps #summercamps #scholarships
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
🚨Our new study is out! We've put AI to good use, to classify and identify dinosaur footprints!
Dinosaur footprints are more common than bones. But to figure out which dinosaur made a track, we need to do the Cinderella thing, and match a footprint to a foot. And that's hard.
Dinosaur footprints are more common than bones. But to figure out which dinosaur made a track, we need to do the Cinderella thing, and match a footprint to a foot. And that's hard.
January 26, 2026 at 8:47 PM
🚨Our new study is out! We've put AI to good use, to classify and identify dinosaur footprints!
Dinosaur footprints are more common than bones. But to figure out which dinosaur made a track, we need to do the Cinderella thing, and match a footprint to a foot. And that's hard.
Dinosaur footprints are more common than bones. But to figure out which dinosaur made a track, we need to do the Cinderella thing, and match a footprint to a foot. And that's hard.
Big news! 🎉
The David B. Jones Foundation has fully funded our field internship program for the next five years, the largest foundation grant in Elevation Science history! This support ensures long-term, hands-on field training for future paleontologists. We're incredibly grateful!
The David B. Jones Foundation has fully funded our field internship program for the next five years, the largest foundation grant in Elevation Science history! This support ensures long-term, hands-on field training for future paleontologists. We're incredibly grateful!
January 26, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Big news! 🎉
The David B. Jones Foundation has fully funded our field internship program for the next five years, the largest foundation grant in Elevation Science history! This support ensures long-term, hands-on field training for future paleontologists. We're incredibly grateful!
The David B. Jones Foundation has fully funded our field internship program for the next five years, the largest foundation grant in Elevation Science history! This support ensures long-term, hands-on field training for future paleontologists. We're incredibly grateful!
We're so thrilled that this paper is out! 🦴🦕
Thanks a million (or 150...) to Dr. Woodruff for collaborating with us on this. Here's to many more!
Thanks a million (or 150...) to Dr. Woodruff for collaborating with us on this. Here's to many more!
#1) The 1st Barosaurus from Montana
A *GREAT* collaboration with the @elevationscience.bsky.social
and @cincymuseum.bsky.social crew, we document the 1st Barosaurus known from the "The Treasure State", which isn't too shocking, but a wonderful surprise.
(& thanks @BLM_MTDKs!)
A *GREAT* collaboration with the @elevationscience.bsky.social
and @cincymuseum.bsky.social crew, we document the 1st Barosaurus known from the "The Treasure State", which isn't too shocking, but a wonderful surprise.
(& thanks @BLM_MTDKs!)
January 24, 2026 at 3:32 PM
We're so thrilled that this paper is out! 🦴🦕
Thanks a million (or 150...) to Dr. Woodruff for collaborating with us on this. Here's to many more!
Thanks a million (or 150...) to Dr. Woodruff for collaborating with us on this. Here's to many more!
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
Introducing a new Permian reptile: Scyllacerta creanae
With a tympanic fossa on the quadrate and no lower temporal bar, Scyllacerta challenges long-standing ideas about when-and-how hearing evolved in reptiles 🦎👂
🔗 doi.org/10.1111/pala...
With a tympanic fossa on the quadrate and no lower temporal bar, Scyllacerta challenges long-standing ideas about when-and-how hearing evolved in reptiles 🦎👂
🔗 doi.org/10.1111/pala...
January 23, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Introducing a new Permian reptile: Scyllacerta creanae
With a tympanic fossa on the quadrate and no lower temporal bar, Scyllacerta challenges long-standing ideas about when-and-how hearing evolved in reptiles 🦎👂
🔗 doi.org/10.1111/pala...
With a tympanic fossa on the quadrate and no lower temporal bar, Scyllacerta challenges long-standing ideas about when-and-how hearing evolved in reptiles 🦎👂
🔗 doi.org/10.1111/pala...
We are so excited and honored to be part of such an amazing volume of papers! 🦕⛏️
Congrats to John Foster, Kelli Trujillo, ReBecca Hunt-Foster, and Spencer Lucas for seeing this latest Morrison volume across the finish line!!! There are so many new great things in this volume.
Papers galore; pdfs available through authors. @societyofvertpaleo.bsky.social @agu.org
Papers galore; pdfs available through authors. @societyofvertpaleo.bsky.social @agu.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:13 PM
We are so excited and honored to be part of such an amazing volume of papers! 🦕⛏️
All fossils are not created equally! 🦴
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we look at the most common ways fossils form, from mineral-filled bone to chemical replacement and compression fossils. Each process preserves different kinds of information about past life.
#paleontology #fossils #earthscience
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we look at the most common ways fossils form, from mineral-filled bone to chemical replacement and compression fossils. Each process preserves different kinds of information about past life.
#paleontology #fossils #earthscience
January 23, 2026 at 7:12 PM
All fossils are not created equally! 🦴
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we look at the most common ways fossils form, from mineral-filled bone to chemical replacement and compression fossils. Each process preserves different kinds of information about past life.
#paleontology #fossils #earthscience
In this episode of Paleo Bites, we look at the most common ways fossils form, from mineral-filled bone to chemical replacement and compression fossils. Each process preserves different kinds of information about past life.
#paleontology #fossils #earthscience
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
Some of the most important moments in science happen when you stop trying to force an answer and just observe.
January 22, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Some of the most important moments in science happen when you stop trying to force an answer and just observe.
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
It's #MuseumSelfieDay, so enjoy these that I took on my last visit to the AMNH!
I will forever be grateful to museums, these monuments to learning that are a big part of keeping science and history alive. Consider going to your local museum today and telling the dinosaurs I said hi!
I will forever be grateful to museums, these monuments to learning that are a big part of keeping science and history alive. Consider going to your local museum today and telling the dinosaurs I said hi!
January 21, 2026 at 6:34 PM
It's #MuseumSelfieDay, so enjoy these that I took on my last visit to the AMNH!
I will forever be grateful to museums, these monuments to learning that are a big part of keeping science and history alive. Consider going to your local museum today and telling the dinosaurs I said hi!
I will forever be grateful to museums, these monuments to learning that are a big part of keeping science and history alive. Consider going to your local museum today and telling the dinosaurs I said hi!
Reposted by Elevation Science Institute for Natural History Exploration
Dental replacement patterns and morphological diversity in Lower Jurassic sauropods from the Cañadón Asfalto Basin, Patagonia, Argentina: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Vol 0, No 0 - Get Access www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Dental replacement patterns and morphological diversity in Lower Jurassic sauropods from the Cañadón Asfalto Basin, Patagonia, Argentina
During their evolution, herbivores have developed various mechanisms to cope with dental wear. One such mechanism was an increase in the number of replacement teeth and in the rate of tooth replace...
www.tandfonline.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Dental replacement patterns and morphological diversity in Lower Jurassic sauropods from the Cañadón Asfalto Basin, Patagonia, Argentina: Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Vol 0, No 0 - Get Access www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....