Tyrannosaurus rex had tiny arms and massive legs — so what happened when a river blocked the path? Scientists have found clues in ancient riverbeds and fossilized trackways that suggest some dinosaurs could handle water better than others. The episode dives into how big theropods, sauropods, and duck-billed hadrosaurs may have dealt with deep water, and what scratch marks on ancient river bottoms can tell us about prehistoric swimming.

Parasaurolophus had a long, hollow crest on its head, and Triceratops sported an enormous bony frill — but what were they actually for? From honking through tube-shaped crests to showing off flashy headgear, dinosaurs used these structures for communication, display, defense, and even staying cool. The science behind these spectacular features reveals how natural selection shaped wildly different solutions across millions of years of prehistoric life.

Dinosaur eggs came in all shapes and sizes, but how did they actually hatch — and did the parents stick around to help? From nest-building hadrosaurs to the surprising clues fossils leave behind, this episode unpacks what scientists know about dinosaur parenting. Along the way, expect plenty of wonder, a few jokes, and a roar or two.

Scientists are still uncovering dinosaurs no one knew existed, and one of the most exciting recent finds is Yuxisaurus — a spiky, armored plant-eater whose bones were discovered in Yuxi, China. This episode breaks down how new dinosaur species get their names, why discoveries keep happening millions of years after these creatures roamed the Earth, and what makes each find so special. Other recently discovered species also make an appearance, celebrating the ongoing wonder of paleontology for young listeners.

Bones that have turned to rock, ancient footprints preserved in stone, and yes — fossilized dinosaur poop. This episode explores how fossil hunters track down and carefully uncover remains from millions of years ago, and reveals what coprolites (the scientific name for dino droppings) can tell us about what dinosaurs actually ate. Along the way, young listeners discover that some of the most surprising clues about prehistoric life come from the least glamorous fossils.

For decades, scientists assumed dinosaurs were drab greens and browns like modern reptiles, but tiny clues hidden inside fossils have revealed a far more colorful and surprising reality. This episode digs into how researchers decode ancient pigment structures called melanosomes to reconstruct dinosaur colors, and explores the growing evidence that many dinosaurs sported feathers, fuzz, and vibrant patterns that would rival today's most striking birds.

Pterosaurs soared through prehistoric skies alongside dinosaurs, but were these giant winged creatures actually dinosaurs themselves? This episode digs into what made pterosaurs unique, how they compared to birds and true dinosaurs, and why the silent P in their name is just the start of the surprises. Along the way, young listeners discover the real science behind wings, beaks, and what it takes to fly.

Sixty-six million years ago, a massive asteroid slammed into Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs—but how exactly did one giant space rock end all those enormous creatures? This episode breaks down the science of the impact, from the enormous dust cloud that blocked the sun to the dramatic changes in climate that followed. Along the way, young listeners discover which animals managed to survive and why, turning one of history's biggest disasters into a story full of wonder.

Some ancient creatures were enormous compared to their modern relatives, while others were surprisingly tiny — but why? Starting with the fascinating trilobite, a roly-poly-like sea creature that roamed ocean floors hundreds of millions of years ago, this episode explores how environmental conditions shaped the sizes of animals throughout history. From giant dragonflies to miniature ancient horses, listeners discover the surprising forces that determine how big or small a creature can grow.

Triceratops literally means "three-horned face" — but what were those impressive horns actually for, and how were they arranged on this iconic dinosaur's massive skull? This episode breaks down the Greek roots of the name, explores what scientists believe the horns were used for, and delivers plenty of fun facts about one of the most famous creatures to ever roam the Earth.