Of Dinosaurs and Dragons: A Special Exhibit of The National Museum of Natural Science (Page 2)

Another focus of this exhibit is the evolutionary relationship between dinosaurs and birds. The idea that birds are the ancestors of dinosaurs goes back to the 19^th century.  Supposedly, T.H. Huxley, one of the greatest paleontologists of that time, was carving a turkey one Christmas Day when he noticed the similarity between the anatomy of the turkey and that of the dinosaur fossils in his office.  More recent studies have indicated that birds are a group of dinosaurs that evolved feathers. Evidence of this comes from the fossils of a group of feathered dinosaurs of the Jehol Biota in China.  These fossils from the late Jurassic (157-100 million years ago) are considered 'the missing link' in the evolutionary transition of dinosaurs to birds and the most important paleontological discovery of the past 100 years.  These important fossils, on display for the first time in Taiwan, are one of the highlights of this exhibit.

Other interesting displays include two dinosaur leg bones that visitors can touch, and the 'Nine Dragon Wall'.  In Chinese culture, nine types of dragons are represented. But, the Nine Dragon Wall in this exhibit is a replica of a site where nine mammal-like reptiles (Sinokannemeyeria yingchiaoensis) were found buried together.  See if you can identify all nine.

Photo: Henry Westheim © 2001

Photo: Henry Westheim © 2001

You can dance with the dinosaurs from August 15, 2000 to February 15, 2001 in the basement of the Chinese Science Hall of the National Museum of Natural Science.  The larger dinosaur skeletons are on display in the courtyard adjacent to the Chinese Science Hall. To protect the specimens, no photography will be allowed.  In addition, the number of people entering the exhibit will be limited.  So, it is suggested that visits be made during non-peak times to avoid long waits.

Museum hours are 9am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday.  Admission to this special exhibit is included in the exhibit areas ticket price (adults 100NT, students 70NT).  For more information, call the museum at (04)322-6940.    

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