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SV-POW! is a blog by paleontologists Mike Taylor, Matt Wedel, and Darren Naish, focusing on vertebrae and paleontology.

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Sauropods Theropods Ornithischians Sloths Birds Ichthyosaurs Pterosaurs Turtles Skeletal pneumaticity Vertebrae

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The post reveals the true origins of sauropod life restorations, identifying earlier works than previously acknowledged and emphasizing the importance of accurate historical representation in paleontology.
The post reveals the discovery of neural canal ridges in Thecachampsa, suggesting their role as bony spinal cord supports and inviting further research in vertebrate anatomy.
Naming new species within existing dinosaur genera can create confusion in phylogenetic classification and undermine the purpose of stable nomenclature.
The author discusses the challenges of measuring neural canal diameters in dinosaur vertebrae, highlighting the non-cylindrical shapes of many canals and the complications that arise from asymmetry and varying profiles. They explo...
The post discusses 'The Last Days of the Dinosaurs' by Riley Black, highlighting the author's career evolution and the book's narrative structure that explores the aftermath of the Chicxulub impact. It emphasizes the fragility and...
The blog post reviews 'Otherlands' by Thomas Halliday, highlighting its unique narrative style that combines storytelling with scientific exploration of various epochs in Earth's history. The author praises Halliday's scholarship ...
The post reviews 'Dr Dhrolin’s Dictionary of Dinosaurs,' a comprehensive resource for tabletop RPGs, particularly Dungeons & Dragons. The book features a wide array of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine reptiles, along with detaile...
The post discusses the identification of a scapula from the 'Ultrasaurus' excavation at the Dry Mesa Quarry, analyzing discrepancies in the orientation of the bone in different photos. The author presents their conclusion that the...
The author reflects on their admiration for animal physiologist Knut Schmidt-Nielsen, highlighting his impactful works, particularly 'Animal Physiology: Adaptation and Environment' and 'The Camel’s Nose.' They appreciate Schmidt-N...
The author reflects on the media attention surrounding the announcement of Sauroposeidon and shares personal anecdotes about interviews conducted, particularly highlighting a standout interview with a young Steve Brusatte. The pos...
A comprehensive checklist for establishing new zoological genus and species names, detailing publication requirements and best practices to ensure clarity and compliance with naming conventions.
DRAFT v4 of the zoological naming checklist is introduced, incorporating updates on electronic publication standards as per the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature.
Flamingos exhibit extraordinary neck flexibility, capable of curving up to 360 degrees, which is explored in comparison to raptors' neck movements.
The author reflects on the common assumption that basic knowledge is universally known, leading to missed opportunities for sharing valuable insights. They highlight the importance of John Foster's book 'Jurassic West,' which comp...
The author shares insights from their extensive experience visiting museum collections, detailing the specific gear and strategies they use to efficiently gather data, photographs, and measurements. They emphasize the importance o...
The author emphasizes the importance of drawing and writing for aspiring paleontologists, arguing that these skills enhance observational abilities and understanding of subjects. Drawing is portrayed as a practice that helps indiv...
The post is a review of 'Speed Thief Vol 1' by Sean Hennessy, highlighting its humor, illustrations, and coverage of various dinosaurs and Mesozoic creatures. The author appreciates the blend of entertainment and education, noting...
The author critiques the prevalence of low-quality machine-generated content and pledges to maintain an AI-free blog to uphold discourse quality.
Raptor neck twisting is crucial for hunting and perching, revealing adaptability that can inform our understanding of extinct species' behaviors.
The author discusses the reliance of early-career individuals on AI-generated drafts for writing scientific papers. They argue that while AI can ease the drafting process, it detracts from the essential learning experience of writ...
The post explores the tension between self-doubt and the joy of creation, urging a focus on the work itself rather than personal anxieties.
Pursue your passions actively and embrace the journey of self-improvement, rather than waiting for perfect conditions or inspiration.
The newly published checklist for zoological genus and species names is now available for use and citation, following a month of critique with no feedback.
Palaeontologist Andy Farke shares captivating photos of burrowing owls and critiques zoo commercialization while praising the Living Desert Zoo's naturalistic approach.