Up a River with Big Paddles: A Prehistoric Turtle from Utah’s Dino Coast

During the last 30 million years of the Age of Dinosaurs, Utah was located on the coastline of an inland seaway that connected the Gulf of Mexico with the Arctic Ocean. The coastal rivers and swamps in Utah at that time provided an ideal environment for dinosaurs and other animals, including freshwater turtles. Dr. Joshua Lively will discuss the diverse array of turtles that once called Utah home, with a focus on a recent discovery that will change the way we think about sea turtles.

Dr. Josh Lively is a geoscientist and evolutionary biologist studying Late Cretaceous ecosystems, with a focus on freshwater turtles and mosasaurs. His research uses tools from paleontology, genetics, and the study of ancient rocks to understand how life evolved in response to changing environments. Lively has worked in over 20 museums worldwide and conducts annual fieldwork in the Intermountain West. He is the Curator of Paleontology at the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price, Utah.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please reserve only the number of tickets you will use.

About Science Utah: The Science Utah Lecture Series is dedicated to bringing the latest scientific discoveries and discussions to the public, for free, by offering engaging lectures led by Utah-based scientists and researchers working in various fields.

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