Safe Travels

In this episode, I sit down with paleontologist Rebecca Hunt-Foster at Dinosaur National Monument to explore one of the most fascinating fossil landscapes in North America. We discuss the geology that shaped the monument, the incredible dinosaurs that once roamed the region, and what life looked like in this ancient ecosystem roughly 150 million years ago during the Late Jurassic period.
Rebecca also shares insights into her career path in paleontology, her work with the National Park Service, and what it’s like studying fossils and ancient environments in the American West.

The Geology of Dinosaur National Monument
  •  How the rock layers at Dinosaur National Monument were formed 
  •  Why the Morrison Formation is one of the most important dinosaur-bearing formations in the world 
  •  Ancient rivers, floodplains, and environmental conditions during the Jurassic 
  •  How geologists and paleontologists interpret ancient landscapes from rock and fossil evidence 
Dinosaurs of the Jurassic
  •  The major dinosaur species discovered in the region 
  •  Giant sauropods and massive predators that lived in the ecosystem 
  •  Fossil discoveries that made Dinosaur National Monument famous 
  •  What these animals can tell us about evolution and prehistoric ecosystems 
Reconstructing a 150-Million-Year-Old Ecosystem
  •  What the climate and vegetation looked like during the Late Jurassic 
  •  Ancient waterways and seasonal environments 
  •  Other animals that shared the ecosystem with dinosaurs 
  •  How scientists piece together food webs and habitats from fossil evidence 
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow dinosaur and geology enthusiasts.
______________
Follow us on social!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safetravelspod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetravelspod
YouTube: youtube.com/@safetravelspod
Safetravelspod.com 

Creators and Guests

Host
Joey Liberatore

What is Safe Travels?

Safe Travels explores National Parks and wild places through in-depth conversations with the people who know them best - park rangers, scientists, biologists, geologists, archaeologists, and conservationists.

Each episode goes beyond travel tips to uncover the science, history, wildlife, and conservation stories that bring these landscapes to life.

Hosted by Joey Liberatore, Safe Travels Pod turns expert insight into engaging, accessible conversations - helping listeners experience public lands with deeper understanding and appreciation.