Join us on Friday, February 7, from 6–7pm in the Daily Planet Café for “Finding the First Saber-Teeth” with Dr. Christian Kammerer, Research Curator of Paleontology.
“Saber-teeth”, in which the canine teeth of an animal are enormously enlarged, are best known in Ice Age members of the cat family. However, this anatomy has appeared numerous times in the fossil record in different groups of animals. Explore the origins of the first saber-toothed top predators and how they lived, based on recent fossil discoveries from around the world. Discover why saber-teeth show up so frequently in prehistory, why the mammalian lineage does it much more frequently than reptiles, and why we don’t see any alive today. Enjoy a fascinating journey through time, illustrated with fossil evidence and cutting-edge research, to uncover some of the most bizarre and iconic creatures in history.
Recommended for ages 11–17.
About our speaker
Dr. Christian Kammerer is the Museum’s Research Curator of Paleontology and has a particular interest in the rise and fall of protomammals and the subsequent dominance of archosaurs. He investigates how mass extinctions shaped the modern vertebrate lineage, including the origins of mammals, dinosaurs, and other iconic groups. Through fossil collection and analytical methods, Dr. Kammerer brings ancient ecosystems to life, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.
Teen Science Cafés bring teens together in an informal setting to learn about science and technology on the first Friday of each month during the school year. Each café includes a scientist presentation, an interactive activity relating to the discussion, a Q&A session, and time to socialize with other teens who enjoy science.