A conversation bridging palaeontology, ecology and evolution

Inspired by the famous Animal Farm quote — “Four legs good, two legs bad” — the episode explores whether bipedal locomotion truly gave dinosaurs an evolutionary advantage, or whether their success was driven by a more complex combination of factors.

Joining the discussion are experts in biomechanics, palaeobiology and paleoecology, including:

• Sara Varela (ERC MAPAS), providing a macroecological and evolutionary perspective
• John Hutchinson, evolutionary biomechanics specialist
• Davide Foffa, palaeobiologist

Key insights from the research

• The EU-funded DAWNDINOS project uses high-speed imaging, X-rays and computational simulations to reconstruct locomotion in Triassic dinosaurs by studying their closest living relatives (birds and crocodilians).
• Findings suggest there was no single cause behind dinosaur success: along with anatomical or physiological traits, biogeographic luck after extinction events may have played a major role.
• Fossil evidence — from large bones to microvertebrate remains — helps reconstruct Mesozoic ecosystems in detail, revealing remarkable ecological diversity.
• From a macroevolutionary viewpoint — central to MAPAS — the research highlights the importance of generalist species capable of thriving across multiple environments, especially during environmental crises.

Don’t miss it — tune in and give it a listen!