Famous Fossil "Ida" (Plate B): Analysis with Dr. Robert Bakker

Recently, the world was introduced to a spectacular fossil: a 47-million-year-old female mammal nicknamed Ida, described in scientific circles by Dr. Jørn H. Hurum and his colleagues and popularized through a world-wide media blitz.

Christened Darwinius masillae, Ida has been hailed by all as one of the very best and most completely preserved fossils from our human heritage. Is she THE Missing Link? Some say yes; some say no. But without question she is a window into our primate past when the key adaptations of opposable thumb and big toe had just evolved.

"In a way, every fossil is a missing link. Evolution doesnt produce one line. Its like a blueberry bush. There are many branches and side branches," said Dr. Robert Bakker, Curator of Paleontology at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. "I call her Great Auntie Ida. She may not be our Darwinian grandmother but she was a close kin. She shows us the way we were when our Primate Order was young."

Starting June 24, people will be able to see this specimen firsthand when original specimens of the worlds most famous fossils, Lucy and Ida (Plate B), go on public display together in Lucys Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia at Discovery Times Square Exposition™, a new exhibition facility located in the former printing presses building of The New York Times at 226 West 44th Street, New York City.

Hear more about Ida as Dr. Bakker takes us through a detailed analysis of Ida, Plate B, in this video.

For more information, please visit http://lucyexhibition.hmns.org

Category:

Education

Tags:

• lucy's legacy
• exhibition
• Ida
• Plate B
• The Link
• science
• anthropology
• famous fossil
• Ida Plate B
• Bob Bakker
• Robert Bakker

[amorphousguy]

I would never want somebody running my country, who believes that dinosaurs and man lived together. Same for somebody to says that fruit fly research is pointless.

[reverb508]

I'm not sure if you're pointing out the idiocy of creationism or if you're part of the lunatic fringe who actually believes it.

As for Sarah Palin almost becoming the vice president: another reason why an IQ test should be required to run for public office.

[UpwardsFallings]

Looks like a dinosaur.

[username0u812ic]

this guy was a nobody until he stole a t-

rex skeleton from a couple of guys who actually found it.

[Muthsera80]

@XJFiles

Well then I'm rather confused now. As it seemed to me that you had great doubts about the method used in paleontology. And when it comes to our human line, the fossils that show how this line is built up, is several hundred fossils.

[XJFiles]

@Muthsera80 You misread... I never implied you made any comment on UFO's. Go look. What was that about strawmen? I never said palentology was Yahtzee either. You are connecting dots where the evidence does not lead. I wont make any assumptions from your ignorance either... no need to.

[Muthsera80]

@XJFiles

Do not create strawmen about me. I have made no statement on UFO's. Nor is paleontology a question of Yahtzee. That is offensive to a hole field of people who are honest and work very hard to be as factual and correct as possible. Just because you do not understand it. Does noting towards the validity of their methods. If you want to criticize it. At least take the time to learn how it works first. And don't just make assumptions on how it works from ignorance.

[XJFiles]

@Muthsera80 your whole reply contradicted itself and had not defeated or enlightened the situation one bit. it actually strengthened my statement. you have connected the dots just like those who assume ufo's are aliens. a piece of space garbage construed to be an alien life form. dig up some bones with more bones in adjacent areas with similar dates that have been controversial in dating and throw them in a cup and tumble. then toss the bones out on the ground to re-organize... Yahtzee!

[Muthsera80]

@XJFiles

Ok look, there are not really any missing links like you imagine it. We cannot find every individual from eons past to today to see how they evolved. But those finds we make, we look at them and we class them into how old they are (ie, in what layer they are found) and what similarities they have with those we already know of. We have a very clear development line from Darwinius to homo sapiens today. Darwinius was just the last fossil that we needed to connect our line with lemurs.

[XJFiles]

"our ancestor Lucy" maybe yours !! missing link solved? really? scattered bones belonging to separate creatures and even if they fit plenty of other links are still missing. puzzle complete? i don't think soo...

[camerrill]

My family took trips to Wyoming for several years to go on dinosaur digs under his leadership. He is extremely intelligent, well spoken, funny, insightful, open-minded, and respectful. AND he could outwalk, outclimb, and outlast anyone on the trip. Anyone who feels like insulting him should spend a day in his presence and you will be subdued. He is one of the true shining stars of all the people I have ever known.

[flemjob]

@jojojosmart Thats the whole point, lemurs belong to a different group to monkeys. Where's the proof, right in front of you.