Academy of Natural Sciences

For many people, museums are about one thing. Dinosaurs. The Academy of Natural Sciences does its part to ensure these people are not disappointed.  So, this week's object is a nod to those people. Also, I really like dinosaurs...

This object is a cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skull. It highlights the tooth structure of the dinosaur and provides more information about how the dentition of the T. rex.

This cast is very important and interesting to children who are commonly known for being mildly obsessed with dinosaurs when young.  The ability to have an up-close view of the skull makes it important to dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages who wish to learn more about their teeth and skull structure in general.  The cast may also be important to biologists interested in learning how extinct animals relate to modern animals and to paleontologists interested in learning more about skull or tooth structure of individual specimens.

This object is on display to teach visitors about the teeth of the T. rex. It points out the serrated edge of the tooth and the fact that each tooth can be replaced if it falls out or breaks. The cast of the skull also offers visitors an up-close view of the skull that isn’t normally achieved with full skeletal displays. This view allows visitors to touch an object they wouldn’t normally be able to interact with on a personal level.

The skull is not made of bone but is a cast of an actual skull. The text panels near the display do not state what the cast is made from or how it was acquired. It is likely, however, that the exhibits department at the museum or the other scientific researchers that work with the Academy of Natural Science created the cast.

The skull, as stated before, is located on a small platform near the back of the second floor of the dinosaur hall. The platform places it just about a foot off the ground. The “chin” of the skull hangs off the front of the platform and the mouth is in a wide open position. This position allows visitors to see far inside the mouth and even put their head inside the skull for a closer look.

An information panel for the skull is placed on the platform. It has two simple questions and, in a few places, substitutes the name Tyrannosaurus rex with a small image of the dinosaur. This makes the text on the panel more readable for young children or those with reading difficulties. The first question on the panel contains the word “serrated” and then defines that as meaning “like a steak knife.” This, again, makes the panel more easily understandable for young children or those without a large vocabulary. The corner of the panel explains that the answers to the question can be found inside the skull. Small circular attachments on the inner lower jaw of the skull give the answers to the questions. The placement of the answers encourages visitors to lean into the skull or put their head inside the jaw of the T. rex, encouraging interaction with the stationary cast. 

Next to the Tyrannosaurus skull is a cast of a Triceratops skull. This skull is displayed in the same way as the T. rex. It is close to the ground and offers the same interactive experience. Additionally, a comparison can be made by viewers between the carnivorous T. rex skull and the herbivorous Triceratops skull. Also on this floor are other Tyrannosaur centered interactives.  There is a floor display with Tyrannosaurus footprints next to crocodile footprints that encourage visitors to walk like the dinosaur and the crocodile to compare the gait of each.  

 There is a treadmill that visitors can walk on that will moves a T. rex model. The tension on the treadmill creates a forward leaning gait which mimics that of the Tyrannosaur.

 The centerpiece of the room is a cast of a full Tyrannosaurus skeleton. The panels for this T. rex give more information about the species and the particular specimen on display. All of the various Tyrannosaurus rex displays around the room and other dinosaur information give context to the T. rex skull. They provide additional information about the species and the help visitors create a complete view of what the species may have been like.’

 Understanding paleontology would greatly help with the appreciation of this skull. Additionally, a background in biology, herpetology, or even ornithology would also enhance the appreciation of the skull. As a cast, this object may also be more appreciated with an understanding of metal-working and cast-making.

This skull may not be interesting to those looking for an artistic expression of the Tyrannosaur. The text panel is childish and may make the skull uninteresting to adults or children who already know the information that is being presented.

The skull focuses on the teeth of the Tyrannosaurus. The display could easily be changed to highlight other features of the skull such as the eye socket, nasal cavity, or cranial capacity. These could each be compared to modern species. Additionally, a comparison of the Tyrannosaurus skull to that of modern birds could prove to be an interesting display about evolution. It would also be interesting for visitors to see how flesh can be added to a cast to create a realistic looking head. 

Object honorable mention: Okapi!!!!