New Spinosaur Discoveries & Giant Pliosaurs | PaleoRewind 2023: May

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The video provides substantial value by summarizing multiple peer-reviewed studies in an accessible manner. The argumentation is solid, as each discovery is presented with its scientific context and significance. The inclusion of an interview with Professor Dave Martill adds depth, offering firsthand insights into the research process and the history of pliosaur size estimates. The host critically evaluates the implications of each finding, such as the potential for social behavior in sabre-toothed cats and the ecological turnover before the Permian extinction. The explanations are clear and well-supported by the cited sources.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The video demonstrates high scientific rigor by referencing numerous peer-reviewed papers and providing links in the description. The sources are credible and directly related to the discussed discoveries. The title accurately reflects the content, focusing on new spinosaur and pliosaur findings. The video maintains a high standard of accuracy, with no apparent misinformation. The inclusion of expert interviews further enhances credibility. The comments are overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing appreciation for the informative content and the host’s presentation style.

The title accurately reflects the content, which focuses on new spinosaur discoveries and giant pliosaurs, among other May 2023 paleontological finds.

8/10

The video is a well-structured review of paleontological discoveries from May 2023, presented by a knowledgeable science communicator. It includes interviews with a leading expert and references multiple peer-reviewed studies. The information is accurate and up-to-date, with clear explanations of the scientific context.

• 00:00Introduction
• 01:03Reconstruction of Crassigyrinus Skull
• 02:09New Sabretoothed Cat Discovered
• 03:35Spinosaurs Had Pelican Jaws
• 05:09Giant Pliosaur Vertebrae Discovered (Interview)
• 11:20New Gorgonopsian Discovered
• 13:18New Spinosaur Species Discovered
• 14:20New Mosasaur Species Discovered
• 15:14New Kind of Diprotodontid Named
• 16:36Oldest Australian Pterosaurs Found

• Reconstruction of Crassigyrinus skull — Paper on the revised skull anatomy of Crassigyrinus using CT scans.
• New sabretoothed cat — Study describing the new species Amphimachairodus hengduanshanensis.
• Irritator mandibular anatomy — Paper on the cranial anatomy of Irritator challengeri.
• Irritator anatomy news article — News article summarizing the Irritator study.
• Truly gigantic Pliosaur from the UK — Paper describing giant pliosaur vertebrae from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation.
• New gorgonopsian from South Africa — Paper describing Inostrancevia africana.
• New spinosaur Protathlitis — Paper describing the new spinosaur species Protathlitis cinctorrensis.
• New mosasaur Stelladens — Paper describing the new mosasaur species Stelladens mysteriosa.
• New diprotodontid Ambulator keanei named — Paper describing the new diprotodontid genus and species.
• Oldest pterosaur from Australia — Paper reporting the oldest pterosaur remains from Australia.

• Irritator mandibular anatomy — Primary source for the spinosaur jaw findings.
• Truly gigantic Pliosaur from the UK — Primary source for the giant pliosaur vertebrae.
• New gorgonopsian from South Africa — Primary source for the gorgonopsian discovery.