Earth Science – James Ronan Palaeontologist

30 Dec 202527 Jan 2026 James Ronan At The Feet of the Dinosaurs, Earth Science, Fossil Discoveries, Fossils, Geology, Natural History, Newsletter, Palaeobiology, Palaeobiology Research Group, Palaeontology, Palaeontology Newsletter, Science Communication, Science Newsletter, Science Writing, Scientific Newsletter, The Palaeo Minute, The University of Bristol, Thecodontosaurus, Unlock Dino Insights

At the Feet of the Dinosaurs Unearthing Ancient Secrets

Venture into the Lost World…One Minute at a Time

A warm welcome to The Palaeo Minute!

At the Feet of the Dinosaurs: Unearthing Ancient Secrets: This edition of The Palaeo Minute revisits the project that helped launch my palaeontology career, from fossil-rich bonebeds and storm-blown sediments to my first academic publication. Join me on a journey through prehistoric environments and the microscopic clues they left behind. I hope you enjoy unearthing Triassic insights in this edition.

This edition explores:

Palaeontology in Action: My research at the University of Bristol (2018–2020).
Behind-the-Scenes: Of my palaeontological internship, hands-on exploration & discovery.
A Geological Field Site: Like no other, the fascinating terrain I investigated.
Microvertebrate Fossils Revealed: Fossils identified & collection comparisons.

This project, though rooted in past research, set the foundation for the skills crucial to my palaeontological journey, skills I honed during my transformative At the Feet of the Dinosaurs internship.

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14 Oct 202527 Jan 2026 James Ronan Birds, Dinosaurs, Education, Feathered Dinosaurs, Feathers, Fossil Discoveries, Fossils, Natural History, Newsletter, Palaeobiology, Palaeontology, Palaeontology Newsletter, Sinosauropteryx Prima, The Palaeo Minute, Unlock Dino Insights, Zhenyuanlong suni

Discovering the Vibrant Feathers of Sinosauropteryx

Venture into the Lost World…One Minute at a Time

A warm welcome to The Palaeo Minute!

The Ginger-Tailed Dinosaur That Changed Everything: Welcome to The Palaeo Minute, where feathered secrets come to life, one filament at a time. In this edition, I spotlight Sinosauropteryx prima with its ginger-striped tail and “bandit mask” camouflage. I also examine Zhenyuanlong suni a spectacular dromaeosaurid from China with elaborate plumage.

From display and thermoregulation to evolutionary signalling, fossils continue to reshape our understanding of feather function in non-avian dinosaurs. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into their fossil stories and the evolutionary insights they continue to reveal.

This edition explores:

Sinosauropteryx prima: A feathered dinosaur with a fascinating history.
Melanosome & Pigmentation: How we can identify colour in dinosaurs.
How Scientific Discoveries: Have reshaped our understanding of dinosaur appearance.
Zhenyuanlong suni: A unique feathered dromaeosaurid from China.

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5 Jul 202529 Jan 2026 James Ronan Curiosity, Dinosaurs, Education, Fossil Discoveries, Fossils, Geology, Learning, Natural History, Newsletter, Palaeobiology, Palaeontology, Palaeontology Newsletter, Prehistory, science, Science Communication, Science Newsletter, Scientific Newsletter, The Palaeo Minute, Unlock Dino Insights

Welcome to The Palaeo Minute: Your Source for Prehistoric Knowledge!

Venture into the Lost World…One Minute at a Time

Explore the depths of the Mesozoic Era, one discovery at a time. Uncover the stories, science, and symbolism behind The Palaeo Minute.

Welcome to this FREE edition of The Palaeo Minute, the official palaeontology newsletter for my website! Join me on a journey through prehistoric discoveries as I share what you can expect from The Palaeo Minute and the exciting palaeontological path ahead.

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