Prehistoric Ecosystems

[Totoro]

Hi all,

I wanted to post a temporary discussion thread to gather thoughts on a suite of a dozen or more focused threads I'd like to create to summarize info on different prehistoric ecosystems from different periods.  This is something I'm seeking to guide my dioramas, so am putting it here after talking with Adam, but imagine the threads could support other types of art or discussions.   

What I'm envisioning is a group of threads, each focused on a geologic period and ecosystem type.   So, for example, Cretaceous Savannas.   In that thread, a periodically-updated summary first post would list species detected in that time and environment, broken down by guild (Animal-sauropod, Plant-tree).   It would also gather links to posts later in the discussion or web links showing artistic renderings and fossils, etc. that the DTB members agree are fairly accurate (we won't all agree on everything ).

The hope is that someone looking to render a species, ecosystem, or geologic period as art could come to these threads to get guidance. I am happy to start and manage them early on, if folks think they'd be worthwhile, but imagine having different folks managing separate threads at some point to spread the work a bit. 

Let me know what you think.   

[Stegotyranno420]

Hi all,

I wanted to post a temporary discussion thread to gather thoughts on a suite of a dozen or more focused threads I'd like to create to summarize info on different prehistoric ecosystems from different periods.  This is something I'm seeking to guide my dioramas, so am putting it here after talking with Adam, but imagine the threads could support other types of art or discussions.   

What I'm envisioning is a group of threads, each focused on a geologic period and ecosystem type.   So, for example, Cretaceous Savannas.   In that thread, a periodically-updated summary first post would list species detected in that time and environment, broken down by guild (Animal-sauropod, Plant-tree).   It would also gather links to posts later in the discussion or web links showing artistic renderings and fossils, etc. that the DTB members agree are fairly accurate (we won't all agree on everything ).

The hope is that someone looking to render a species, ecosystem, or geologic period as art could come to these threads to get guidance. I am happy to start and manage them early on, if folks think they'd be worthwhile, but imagine having different folks managing separate threads at some point to spread the work a bit. 

Let me know what you think.   

Great idea Tortoro. 

[ceratopsian]

It sounds like a good idea. But probably will involve a lot of set-up work.

[Totoro]

Thanks Stegotyranno. 

You're right, ceratopsian, this could take a while to set up (and manage once comments and links come in).  Still...might be worth it! 

[ceratopsian]

.......
You're right, ceratopsian, this could take a while to set up (and manage once comments and links come in).  Still...might be worth it!

Agreed!

[Justin_]

I'd find these really useful.

[irimali]

I would be happy to share all the links and images I've come across.

[Sim]

Souns interesting!  I'd be interested in seeing information of ecosystems that aren't Hell Creek or similar.  I find Hell Creek rather boring and it's already been thoroughly covered by Saurian.  The Ischigualasto Formation, Solnhofen Limestone, Djadochta Formation and Yixian Formation all preserve ecosystems I find particularly interesting.

[Halichoeres]

I'd be happy to contribute material related to Carboniferous deltas and estuaries (for example, Mazon Creek and Bear Gulch).

[Totoro]

Hi all,

FYI, I posted a crude sample for the Jurassic Period - Forest ecosystem (http://dinotoyblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=8820.0). 

Check it out when you want and make suggestions and I'll modify to refine it.  I only listed some quick content examples to get the ball rolling.  All completely changeable. 

I'll plan to focus on creating summaries for major ecosystems for the following:

-Cambrian
-Ordovician
-Silurian
-Devonian
-Carboniferous
-Permian
-Jurassic
-Triassic
-Cretaceous

I expect many of you will probably do the heavy mental lifting with your existing vast knowledge.   I'll just be the dutiful thread editor 

UPDATE: The Period threads are created.  No time to populate them now, but will begin to soon

[EarthboundEiniosaurus]

A quick list of resources for reconstructing fossil plants. These don't necessarily apply to just one time period so I'm posting them here, I might go through and post some more detailed info in the period specific threads.

Dr. Mario Coiro is putting together a database of paleobotany papers that include partial or whole plant reconstructions: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16-Cm05xydulb1l0wb0k3OoFpSsniUutGbQxhahEbL90/edit#gid=0

PBDB: Searches for (insert desired time period here) and plantae will get you a sampling of the plants present in the database. By no means comprehensive, as there's a distinct bias against plants in PBDB, but can be helpful.

Maija Karala's blog series botany for paleoartists is a broad overview of some lesser known ancient plant lineages, morphologies, and fossil histories. Also includes a fairly in-depth look at the flora and environment of Dinosaur Provincial Park: https://hummingdinosaur.wordpress.com/2014/09/08/not-all-ferns-look-like-ferns-botany-for-paleoartists-part-i/

[Justin_]

I've been looking at the individual threads you've started. How should we submit pictures for the top 5 images in each one? Do we upload them in a reply and then you add them to the original post? Would it then be best for us to remove them from our posts so there isn't too much repetition of images? Also, I think all the artists need to be credited if possible, partly just to make it easier to identify which is being referred to if there's any discussion about them.

[Totoro]

I've been looking at the individual threads you've started. How should we submit pictures for the top 5 images in each one? Do we upload them in a reply and then you add them to the original post? Would it then be best for us to remove them from our posts so there isn't too much repetition of images? Also, I think all the artists need to be credited if possible, partly just to make it easier to identify which is being referred to if there's any discussion about them.

Thanks Justin, yes, I had envisioned folks just replying to the thread with links, info, and/or images that could be discussed and then added to the top once there's agreement about the accuracy, etc.  I agree on the credits for the images, good call.  Where that info is available, let's do that.  There are also some nice images that have watermarks or copyrights that we might work on getting permission to use with a link to the artists site or something. As for the long-term fate of the images you post in your replies to promote, I'd just leave that up to the individual.  Ultimately, I hope lots of others find some value in the summaries, and I'd like the discussions and summaries to reflect what the community wants to see. 

[Sim]

There's no thread for the Triassic period.

[Totoro]

There's no thread for the Triassic period.

You're right, forgot to mention that.  I requested permission to use an illustration and am waiting to hear back.  I'll nudge the artist.  That ought to ensure a "no"! 

[Justin_]

I've just discovered the artwork of Emiliano Troco with the stunningly beautiful Apatosaurus on Love In The Time Of Chasmosaurs' July round-up.

They're like Charles Knight painting modern reconstructions.

His website isn't fully functional yet but there are plenty of landscapes for different eras, so I thought I'd just add a single link in this thread, especially as permission might be needed for posting them.

http://emilianotroco.com/

[Totoro]

I've just discovered the artwork of Emiliano Troco with the stunningly beautiful Apatosaurus on Love In The Time Of Chasmosaurs' July round-up.

They're like Charles Knight painting modern reconstructions.

His website isn't fully functional yet but there are plenty of landscapes for different eras, so I thought I'd just add a single link in this thread, especially as permission might be needed for posting them.

http://emilianotroco.com/

Happy to include them.  I imagine the artist might agree to us showing images if we agree to link each image to his shop.     If you are willing, go ahead and reach out to Emiliano to ask.   .