Palaeobiology (inlcuding anatomy, biomechanics, interrelationships, palaeobiogeography, palaeoecology) of theorpod dinosaurs

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Although theropods (carnivorous dinosaurs) comprise only a small fraction of known dinosaurs. they are one of the most significant and interesting groups of dinosaurs. In recent years, theropods with feathers have been discovered in northeastern China, and it is now known that they represent the closest relatives of living birds.  Other specimens have been found on top of their nests, or even with eggs preserved in the birthing canal of the mother. The excavation of several theropod bonebeds has even revealed aspects of social behaviour in carnivores like Albertosaurus, Daspletosaurus and Tarbosaurus. This project will examine various aspects of theropod classification and biology, including their relationships to one another, how components of their bodies moved, their relationships with birds, and their relationships to their environment. It will provide new information on the skeletons, diversity, and distribution of theropods of western Canada and other parts of the globe. The project will enhance our knowledge of dinosaur migration patterns between North America and Asia because Asian dinosaurs represent some of North American dinosaurs' closest relatives during the Late Cretaceous. A major goal of the project is to clarify which particular group of theropods is the closest relatives of modern birds. Such a project will bring greater exposure to the field of vertebrate paleontology and is expected to increase both public and scientific interest. It is hoped that the results will bring much needed sponsorship to support further research in this fascinating field. The project will benefit Canada in that it will create international recognition for a very important aspect of our country's natural heritage.