Explore the fascinating world of aetosaurs, the evolutionary precursors to ankylosaurs, in this 45-minute lecture by Dr. Andrew Heckert from Appalachian State University. Delve into the latest discoveries from the past four decades that have shed new light on these armored reptiles from the Triassic Period. Learn about their unique characteristics, including their extensive body armor consisting of hundreds of overlapping osteoderms, and their typical size range of 1.5 to 2.5 meters, with some exceptional individuals reaching up to six meters. Discover the challenges in understanding aetosaur palaeobiology, including debates about their diet, origins, locomotion, and metabolism. Explore the history of aetosaur research, from early paleontologists to modern scientific methods, and gain insights into their slow growth rates and potential lifespans exceeding 20 years. Journey through various topics including SARS, Triassic animals, Pangaea, and specific fossil discoveries, while examining the phylogenetic challenges and anatomical features that make aetosaurs a captivating subject of study. Read more