What is a scientific model?
A scientific model is a dynamic representation of a physical object, process, event, or idea. Models are used to help people make sense of the natural world.
What are some examples of scientific models?
Simulations, physical models, equations and mathematic relationships, diagrams, and replicas are just a few examples of scientific models.
What is empirical evidence?
Empirical evidence is information collected about the natural world using observations, artifacts, or through scientific investigations.
How is a scientific model created?
Scientific models are created by combing empirical evidence in a logical manner to make a representation useful for people to better understand nature.
What problems arise with using scientific models?
Since models are only representations of something, all models are flawed because they are not an exact copy of the something. The flaws in models sometimes result in inaccurate or incomplete interpretations of events, processes, concepts, and/or predictions by those using the model.
What is a paleontologist?
A paleontologist is a scientist who studies the history of life on Earth using the fossil record. Since no living dinosaurs currently exist on Earth, models of dinosaurs that lived millions of years ago must be created using fossilized evidence by paleontologists.
Why do paleontologists think Tyrannosaurus rex had lips?
Most previous models of the Tyrannosaurus rex show the dinosaur with large, pointy teeth that appear on the external part of the mouth, much like how an alligator’s teeth are not covered by skin. Humans, however, have a skin covering over their teeth called lips. New evidence discovered by paleontologists suggests that small pores in the upper and lower jaws of the dinosaur provided space for nerves and blood vessels to service skin in front of the teeth. These scientists also noted that while alligators external and internal sides of their teeth show uneven wear due to differences in exposure to the outside environment and their own saliva, the teeth of the Tyrannosaurus rex showed no such uneven wear. Again, this supports the notion that the dinosaur’s teeth were covered by lips. Although some scientist cling to the older model of the dinosaur, many now believe the newer model of the dinosaur is a truer representation and therefore a better model.
Collecting and using evidence to build a model is an important skill for all scientists. But what happens when some new piece of evidence arises that doesn’t fit with the existing model? Paleontologists are now faced with this dilemma when new evidence indicates that the model of one of the most famous dinosaurs might be flawed. Get started building a new model of the Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur.
