DocentDoings

I thought you'd like this article in the LATXTRA Section on April 27, 2013.  Evidence suggests the classic Maya civilization, which flourished in Central America for more than 600 years, has been celebrated for its vast city states adorned with monumental pyramids and for its technological feats such as the development of an elaborate written language and impressively accurate astronomical observations. Click on t he link below to view LA Times article: http://soa.li/4wUYJII

Thanks to Ralph some 20 docents visited the Bowers Museum to view the bones on loan from the Ethiopian Government.  Although pictures were not allowed to be taken, our tour guide provided us with interesting information about Lucy (Africa Afarensis) and the 40% of her remains that were put on exhibit.  We learned how we know Lucy was a female with a brain about the size of a chimpanzee's, 3 1/2 feet tall, foot structure that would indicate she could walk upright but spent time in the trees.  There was also a good replica of what Lucy would look like 3D. afterwards, we were able to view the other exhibits of the museum such as the Mission era rooms, China, and human migration/native tribal global navigation skills in the south Pacific, followed by a great lunch in the museum's restaurant.  Click on the pictures below to enlarge: Video of Tour Guide's review of history of Bowers Museum:

With long arms, high shoulder blades and powerful fingers, the ancient creatures were built for climbing trees. But they also had long lower limbs, flat feet and a flexible lumbar spine that gave them a distinct evolutionary edge: They could cover long distances by walking upright on two legs.  Click on the link below to read the LA Times article below: http://soa.li/k8jo0mg

Scientists have discovered some of the oldest dinosaur embryos ever found — a rare collection of delicate fossils that offer an unprecedented look into the remarkably speedy early development of these enormous animals. I thought you'd like this: http://soa.li/eprHo3j

Volcano-induced die-off paved way for dinosaurs, study suggests More than 200 million years ago, toothy crocodile-like creatures stalked a hot, dry mega-continent while squid-like mollusks with spiral shells drifted in the surrounding ocean. Then, in what passes for an instant in geologic time, they vanished — making way for the age of the dinosaurs. Click on the blue link below to read article:: http://soa.li/M2SVSpL