From Dragon Bones to Dino-Birds: the Rise of Vertebrate Paleontology in China - with Dr. Corwin Sullivan

Fossil bones and teeth from China's exceptionally rich record of extinct vertebrates are traditionally called "dragon bones" (lóng gŭ, 龙骨) or "dragon teeth" (lóng chĭ, 龙齿) and used in medicine. The scientific study of Chinese fossil vertebrates began in the 19th century, based largely on specimens obtained from druggists by curious Europeans, but has since matured into a flourishing scientific enterprise that is led by Chinese researchers and has provided crucial insights into such important evolutionary episodes as the transition from dinosaurs to birds.