May 3, 2001

  In celebration of Utah Prehistory Week (May 7-11), the Great Basin Chapter of the Utah Friends of Paleontology and the Utah Geological Survey (UGS) are sponsoring a special lecture on Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. in the Department of Natural Resources Auditorium at 1594 West North Temple, Salt Lake City.

Dr. Robert T. Bakker will present a lecture entitled The Real Jurassic Park is in Utah: Dinosaur Family Values. Dr. Bakker is easily one of the most recognized paleontologists in the world. His trademark hat and beard have made him an icon for the science of dinosaur studies. His theories and enthusiasm for his science, however, are what have made him one of the science's most respected practitioners. Although he is quick to point out that he was not the first to propose that dinosaurs were warm-blooded, he is certainly responsible for bringing to light new evidence that supports the theory. Most importantly, Dr. Bakker has created a sort of renaissance for dinosaurs and their study. His infectious attitude has rekindled interest in Prehistory in both children and adults.

Dr. Bakker received his undergraduate degree at Yale University, where he studied with Dr. John Ostrom, one of the most important figures in modern paleontology, and received his Ph.D. from Harvard University. Dr. Bakker is also a best-selling author. He pens not only scientific books, but has also written Raptor Red, a fictional account of the life of a Utahraptor. He has also appeared in many television specials about dinosaurs.

Bakker will also be co-hosting a free Symposium on Theropod Dinosaurs at the College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum in Price, Utah. The symposium begins at 9:00 am on Friday, May 11 with a field trip to important local dinosaur sites on Saturday May 12. Call the museum for details at (435) 637-5060.

Other Prehistory Week events between Monday and Friday will include an open house at the UGS Sample Library for school classes and other groups.