June 4, 2008
Dalhousie University: Air Apparent?
Indoor forklifts, race cars, and the family car, all powered by air! Five Dalhousie mechanical engineering students made a bold start toward this goal.
David Alderson, Scott Allan, David Langille, Michael Roy and Dave Spencer, inspired by air-powered car concepts in Europe, decided to develop their own compressed air engine for their senior year research project.
Funded through Shell's Campus Ambassadors Sponsorship program, the project was completed in two semesters. "In the first we concentrated on design. The second was for building and tweaking the design," said Langille.
The students modified a 40-year-old snowmobile engine and then ran compressed air through it, producing power similar to a gas engine. They attached it to a refurbished go-kart using two scuba tanks to house the air, releasing it through a standard scuba fitting with a high-flow regulator. The released air travels through tubing to a ball-valve connected to the foot pedal and throttle. "It operates much like a normal rotary engine," says Langille.
This development is timely, given the rising cost of fuel and the search for sustainable energy. Although it produces zero local emissions, Langille says a generator is still required to get the compressed air into the tank. He hopes this will be more fully researched.
The students officially unveiled their air-powered go-kart at Kartbahn Racing, Inc., in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The vehicle performed comparatively to Kartbahn's electric-powered carts. "We can do three laps in just under two minutes going full out at 43 km/h with two tanks," said Langille.
Kartbahn owner Lucas Strackerjan, BSc (Physics) and BEng (Mechanical), Dalhousie 2000, was impressed. "As someone involved in both go-kart racing and the international racing industry, it's important to find something that's more advanced and could be accepted as sustainable energy," says Strackerjan. "We set benchmarks for the electric cars and the air-powered car is right between them."
The engine's greatest drawback is that it runs out of air quickly. When improved, Strackerjan believes it could be a successor to conventional gas-powered engines.
"Sometimes you gain on one end and lose on the other," he says. "You have the same issue with gas versus electric, but life is a series of compromises".
Langille and his colleagues are thrilled with their project. "It was an awesome experience, very fulfilling. We're excited to see it work so well. A lot of people who were doubtful - plus it was exciting to get an A+."
Langille sees initial practical uses in forklifts and smaller indoor machines. "The zero local emissions make it attractive for indoor operations."
Strackerjan thinks the project is exciting for the automotive and racing worlds. "It's very exciting this happened at Dal by Dal students," he says. "In my final year project, we made a desert racing Baja, which was not very efficient. For students to be doing something like this just seven years later says a lot about the University and the way our ideals have shifted."
See more on this and other student projects at mechanical engineering website.
Source: Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
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May 7, 2008
Cape Breton University Acquires New High Tech Research Tool
Cape Breton University (CBU), with assistance from the Government of Canada, is furthering its research capacity with the installation of a new high-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer. Led by assistant professor of chemistry and researcher, Dr. Matthias Bierenstiel, the spectrometer is an essential analytical instrument for chemistry research, particularly for organic and inorganic chemistry. “Our government’s contribution of almost $130,000 to this project is a strategic investment in the development of the Island’s economy,” said the Honorable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “Not only will this equipment assist in the recruitment of new students, it will enhance research at Cape Breton University, which will benefit various industries.” “In simple terms, an NMR spectrometer takes pictures of molecules,” says Dr. Bierenstiel, the university’s first inorganic chemist. “The physical principle of nuclear magnetic resonance is the same principle used in MRI technology in hospitals. The difference is that the magnet of the NMR spectrometer is more compact and has a much higher field, resulting in better analysis of compounds.” With a better determination of the structures of chemical compounds, the spectrometer will enhance research, leading to the identification of new chemical molecules and give an enhanced understanding of biological systems. Dean of Research at CBU, Dr. Harvey Johnstone, said, “This tool will not only be used by chemistry researchers but also by B.Sc. undergraduate students in biology, chemistry and engineering. The students will have hands-on access to state-of-the-art research equipment.” With the arrival of the spectrometer, Dr. Bierenstiel and his students will continue important collaborations with the NMR facility at the Atlantic Regional Magnetic Resonance Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Industries that could potentially benefit from the NMR at CBU include chemical and pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and industries requiring qualified personnel for quality control and analysis. The total cost of acquiring this equipment is $259,000. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is providing a contribution of $129,500. CBU recognizes research and innovation as essential components of advanced education and community development. Increased research productivity and commercial applications will maximize economic benefits both locally and globally. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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March 19, 2008
Cape Breton University: Outstanding Science Communicator
Dr. David McCorquodale, Professor of Biology at Cape Breton University has been awarded the 2007 Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences (APICS) Science Communication Award for exemplary communication of science to the public. McCorquodale received the recognition in the scientist category. Awards are also presented to a professional communicator and a K-12 teacher. “It’s certainly nice to be recognized” says Dr. McCorquodale who delivered a keynote address at the APICS undergraduate biology conference at Memorial University of Newfoundland in early March. “Speaking gave me a chance to let dozens of keen, curious and very capable biology majors know about opportunities to talk about their passion for biology. I encourage students to do media interviews, visit schools and give talks to the public.” McCorquodale has helped both students and the public appreciate the relevance of biology, especially the natural environment. Before going to graduate school, he worked as a seasonal naturalist in Algonquin Park, ON giving talks, evening programs and leading walks. It was here that he discovered his enjoyment and developed his skills in communicating science and the natural world. Since 1990, he has been a faculty member in the biology department at Cape Breton University where he teaches environmental biology, entomology, evolution and the natural history of Cape Breton. Last year he was recognized with the CBU Alumni Excellence in Teaching Excellence Award. Rod Beresford, CBU biology graduate and now an Assistant Professor of Integrative Science at CBU, notes this award winner is a positive role model encouraging student involvement in community education and research. “Dave encourages his students to get involved in science education and stresses the importance of sharing their enthusiasm with children and the general public,” he notes. Over the past 17 years McCorquodale has frequently visited school classes, judged science fairs, was executive producer on the Discovery Channel video “Saving the Bald Eagle” and written regularly for “Nova Scotia Birds”. His reach doesn’t stop there. For the past 15 years, CBC listeners on the Island, and often regionally, tune in each month to hear Dr. McCorquodale’s voice on the “The Bird Hour ”. There, along with Dave Harris of the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, listener’s questions about sightings in their backyards are answered and the value of participating in Christmas Bird Counts and other volunteer monitoring programs is promoted. Globally, McCorquodale’s ecological understanding and communications skills were transported to new environments through Canadian International Development Agency missions. In 2004, and earlier this year he visited Lusaka, Zambia where he developed and presented workshops on environmental health and worked with faculty to develop environmental science curriculum. Three years earlier he worked with faculty and students at an engineering college in Tamil Nadu, India. “Professor McCorquodale exemplifies the strength of our faculty – sharing their expertise and passion with many audiences including our students,” says Gordon MacInnis, Vice-President, Finance & Operations at CBU. “We congratulate him on this recognition from APICS.”
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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February 13, 2008
What Can Cape Breton University Do For You?
Cape Breton University (CBU) is now offering more renewable scholarships to new students than ever before. "As the academic calibre of students applying and attending Cape Breton University continues to grow, we are very pleased to provide increased renewable scholarships to all students with an average of 90 per cent or above who apply for 2008," says Dr. Keith Brown, Vice-President, Development, Cape Breton University. "Students with an average of 95 per cent or higher will receive, at minimum, a renewable Dean's Scholarship, valued at $10,000 ($2,500 a year for up to four years). Students with a 90 to 94 per cent average will be offered a renewable Rossetti Scholarship valued at $8,000 ($2,000 a year for up to four years)." The tremendous support of the community towards the Future First fundraising campaign makes it possible to continue to offer more and larger scholarships to entering students. CBU also currently offers a set number of larger renewable scholarships for students who achieve top averages such as the eight Chancellor's Scholarships, valued at $24,000 each ($6,000 each year for up to four years); six President's Scholarship at $20,000 each ($5,000 a year for up to four years), and six Marquis Scholarship valued at $12,000 each ($3,000 a year for up to four years). Canadian high school students who apply to CBU by March 1 are automatically considered for Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships with dollar amounts based on an average of five, Grade 11 courses and three, first-semester Grade 12 academic courses as calculated by CBU. Students entering CBU with an 85 per cent or higher average are also guaranteed a scholarship; amounts vary depending on average. To maintain renewable entrance scholarship, students must enrol in full-time study and maintain an 80 per cent average once they are in the program. A separate scholarship application, also due by March 1, covers all of the other scholarships, some of which have specific qualification requirements, covering a range of programs and interests. Students from outside of Canada must complete one term of study at CBU to become eligible for scholarships.
CBU Open House: High school students, and their parents, are invited to find out 'What CBU Can Do for You' at an Open House on February 19 and 20 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. nightly in the Student, Culture, and Heritage Centre. Meet professors, deans and alumni and learn about career and educational opportunities. Whether students are interested in specific careers such as nursing, social work, policing, sports management, public health, nutrition, engineering, tourism, accounting, or marketing, for example OR interested in pre-professional study for pharmacy, medicine, veterinary medicine, law, journalism or post-graduate studies, CBU can help get students there! Details will also be available on admissions, applications, scholarships, and international exchange opportunities. "Don't forget to attend a "University 101" session during the Open House to find out everything you always wanted to know about post-secondary education," says John Mayich, Manager of Marketing and Recruiting at CBU. "This is the place to ask the questions you've been wondering about. From classes and scheduling to day-to-day life on campus, no question is too big or small. In previous years, our 'University 101' session has proved very popular with Open House participants."
On Site Admissions: Starting today, February 13 and running until February 27, the university admissions team will visit 18 high schools right across Cape Breton. Students interested in coming to CBU this fall will have the opportunity to meet the admissions team, ask questions, apply and receive an admissions decision on-site. Interested students can check with their guidance office to make an appointment and get a checklist.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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February 11, 2008
Dalhousie University Students Awarded for Winning Answers to the Question: How Can Homeowners Reduce Their Energy Use?
Nova Scotia Power (NSP) has awarded six Dalhousie students a total of $4,000 in scholarships for their innovative thinking on energy conservation. Faculty of Engineering students entered an NSP contest, Battle of the Bright Ideas, that challenged them to recommend how Nova Scotians can save energy through conservation and energy efficiency in their homes. The challenge attracted 10 worthy submissions with four winning concepts, including:
o First Place ($2,000):
Nathan Steeghs' idea on how to heat household hot water more efficiently through Drain Water Heat Recovery,
o Second Place ($1,000):
Reducing phantom power loads used by home electronics with the use of a universal remote, by Kelli McGean and Kaitlyn McNutt,
o Third Place (tied - $500):
Benjamin Breen's idea for programming personal computers to run more energy efficiently with the installation of an Automated Computer Power Management application, and
o Third Place (tied - $500):
A re-design of customer bills to educate and increase consumers' awareness about their own energy consumption, by Laura Payne and Mike MacMillan.
"Customers have told us they're looking for ways to save money and help the environment," says Alan Richardson, Vice President, Commercial, Nova Scotia Power. "These students submitted concrete ideas that illustrate how small changes make a difference and a good place to start is right in the home." The contest was a pilot student scholarship program presented by Nova Scotia Power. To enter, students needed to be enrolled in Engineering, Architecture or Planning at Dalhousie University. Four judges scored all submissions on five elements: originality and innovation; feasibility; energy savings potential; cost effectiveness; and quality, approach and clarity of the concept plan. "Our students are tremendous problem solvers, and they have come up with some truly innovative ways of reducing power consumption," said Dr. Joshua Leon, P.Eng., Dalhousie University Dean of Engineering. "We appreciate Nova Scotia Power for giving these students the opportunity to get their ideas into the public eye. These projects could make a real difference for Nova Scotians."
Source: Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia
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November 6, 2007
Cape Breton University Celebrates National Technology Week with Name Changes
With National Technology Week well underway, Cape Breton University is pleased to announce name changes for the university’s Bachelor of Technology degrees. The new names are: Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electronics & Controls); Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Environmental Studies); Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Manufacturing); and Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Petroleum).
The new degree names, which all include the word Engineering, better identify the curriculum content and focus of the programs. The redesign of the Engineering Technology degrees have seen the delivery time reduced from four years to three years, with an early exit point for most options for those interested in a two-year Engineering Technology diploma. Significant improvements to the Bachelor of Engineering Technology programs, developed by CBU and endorsed by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC), have created innovative, comprehensive and condensed academic programs.
“This is an exciting time for our Engineering Technology graduates. Industry demand for engineering technologists is considerable and studies show that it will continue to increase as more professionals retire and our economy continues to grow,” notes Rick Pierrynowski, PEng, Chair, CBU Engineering Department.
The first Bachelor of Engineering Technology degrees were awarded this past weekend at the Fall 2007 Convocation to successful candidates in Engineering Technology.
“The strong faculty base makes CBU’s Engineering programs very desirable for both students and employers,” says Dr. Allen Britten, Dean, CBU School of Science and Technology. “With many of the faculty certified as Professional Engineers, students benefit from their industrial experience and in-depth knowledge of engineering.”
Many of CBU’s Engineering Technology graduates have Certified Engineering Technology (CET) designation. The degree does not directly lead to Professional Engineering (PEng) designation.
In celebration of National Technology Week, the CBU Engineering faculty has challenged the Engineering Technology students to a friendly game of hockey on Friday, November 9, from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. in the Canada Games Complex. Invited guests expected to take part in the game will come from the engineering community as well as NSPI, CBCL, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital to name a few. The community is invited to attend the game and there is no admission fee.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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October 17, 2007
Let Class Begin: Saint Mary's University Helps Educate Gambians in Computing Science and Business Administration
Saint Mary’s long-standing commitment to education in The Gambia has entered a new phase, as classes began today at the QuantumNet Institute of Technology for students pursuing a Diploma in Computing Science and Business Administration. QuantumNet is the primary internet service provider in The Gambia and has a significant interest in developing the local force to work in the sector of information technology. When Managing Director Muhammed Jah approached the University of The Gambia to express an interest in setting up a diploma program, officials there were quick to bring Saint Mary’s into the picture. Dr Pawan Lingras, from Saint Mary’s Department of Mathematics and Computing Science, agreed to act as Program Director, and set a curriculum to meet international standards in the IT industry. Modelled directly on the first two years of the bachelor’s degree at Saint Mary’s in Halifax, this diploma program consists of 20 courses and will normally be completed in a two-year period of full-time study. Courses are taught by Gambian, Canadian, and international faculty members, using the classrooms and laboratories of the Quantum Institute of Technology. Participating students use the most up-to-date learning resources, from textbooks to computer systems. The courses offered in the program will be recognized as credit courses by The University of The Gambia. At the same time, the design and delivery of the courses are carefully monitored by Saint Mary’s University faculty members. As a result, the stakeholders intend that the courses may be considered for academic credit at Saint Mary’s University through the normal transfer process. For this program QuantumNet provides the financing, infrastructure, in-Gambia logistical support, and student services. Saint Mary’s University is responsible for program design, quality control, provision of textbooks and faculty. University of The Gambia also contributes faculty resources and advises on admission requirements and student services.
Source: Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia
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October 15, 2007
Aliant CIS 2007 Women's Soccer Championship Officially Kicks Off - Cape Breton University Hosts Canada's Best November 7-11
Soccer athletes and fans alike will be "Kickin' on the Cape" from November 7-11 as Cape Breton University hosts its' first national Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) championship. The nationals, officially launched today at CBU, included recognition of Aliant as the official supporter with their donation of $10,000. The championship is officially named the Aliant CIS 2007 Women's Soccer Championship/Championnat de Soccer Feminin de SIC. "Aliant is very pleased to support the upcoming Women's Soccer Championship in Cape Breton," says Aliant's Chief Financial Officer, Glen LeBlanc. "We have a longstanding history of supporting sport programs throughout Atlantic Canada and we strongly believe in the spirit of these athletes and their dedication to the soccer program at Cape Breton University." LeBlanc is also a member of the CBU Board of Governors. Interestingly, LeBlanc, a CBU graduate, played for the Men's Capers Varsity Soccer team and received the Men's Capers Soccer Team Spirit & Sportsmanship Award under Coach Jack Porter in 1987. Porter has been named honorary chair of this year's championship. "It is an honour for Cape Breton University, and the entire Island, to host the Aliant CIS 2007 Women's Soccer Championship," says John Ryan, Athletics Director, CBU. "Through our partnership with Aliant, we are taking this championship to the next level. We hope to make this most memorable soccer experience for years to come." Eight teams from across Canada will come to Cape Breton Island in November to vie for the national title. For the first time, a coaching symposium will take place hosted by Soccer Cape Breton, and features Ian Bridge, Assistant Coach, Canada's National Women's Team. Games will be played from November 8 to 11. CAPERS team, led by coach of eleven years, Stephen "Ness" Timmons, is the current Atlantic University Sport title holder - their third title in four years. This season, the team continues to rank in the national Top 10 coach's poll. The CAPERS roster includes 12 players from Nova Scotia; an impressive 11 of the 12 are from Cape Breton with the remaining players recruited from across Canada. Cape Breton University President Dr. John Harker says, "As hosts of the Aliant CIS 2007 Women's Soccer Championship, the university, with strong community and sponsor support, will showcase the high caliber of the CAPERS Women's Soccer team to the rest of the country." Highlights for the teams and coaching staff include the Championships Banquet which takes place at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on November 7. Academic All-Canadians, Championship MVP, Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year will be awarded. Teams also hope to take in a Cape Breton Screaming Eagles game and will experience the best of Cape Breton hospitality, including a performance by the renowned Men of the Deeps. An impressive number of CAPERS athletes achieve Academic All Canadian status each year, recognizing the university and players commitment to education and athletics. Visit www.gocapersgo.ca
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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October 15, 2007
Saint Mary's University is the Right Choice
More and more students are making Saint Mary’s their university of choice as the number of first year students has increased by 5 per cent in 2007. “For the past year, Saint Mary’s has been working on a recruitment campaign to attract qualified students from the region, across Canada and abroad,” says Chuck Bridges, Vice President (Assoc.) of External Affairs. “The increase demonstrates that our efforts are working,” he says. “Prospective students are recognizing that Saint Mary’s University can provide them with a top-notch, globalized education that will take them where they want to go, anywhere in the world.” The University has experienced a small decline in its full-time undergraduate students and full-time graduate students because of an unusually large graduating class in 2007. The University has seen enrollment increases in other key areas. The University, long a leader in internationalization, has a 7.7 per cent increase of students coming from abroad. Over 15 per cent of the University population is made up of students from 85 countries around the world. Transfer students to the University increased by 19 per cent over last year, and the University experienced a 16 per cent increase in part-time graduate students. For more information, please visit the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) website: www.atlanticuniversities.ca
Source: Saint Mary's University, Nova Scotia
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October 2, 2007
Cape Breton University: National Lead For Aboriginal Component Celebrations Mark 400th anniversary of Galileo's Observations of Night Sky
Cape Breton University (CBU) in Sydney, Nova Scotia, is developing national projects to help Canadians celebrate "International Year of Astronomy 2009" (IYA2009). CBU's Institute for Integrative Science and Health, and the Mi'kmaq College Institute are working with national, local, and international partners to achieve this goal. CBU is taking the lead role for the Aboriginal component within Canada's celebrations. The invitation to CBU came from Canada's representatives on the global steering committee for IYA2009, as coordinated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). Partners include the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, the Canadian Astronomical Society, the Fédération des astronomes amateurs du Québec, Membertou First Nation, the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, and the IYA2009 global steering committee. Interestingly, it was IAU's Canadian representatives who successfully pitched the idea that all countries include an Aboriginal component if possible. IAU designated 2009 as this year of commemoration and celebration to mark the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei using a telescope to observe the night sky. He was the first human being to see mountains and craters on the moon, uncountable numbers of stars invisible to the naked eye, and moons around the planet Jupiter - observations that have forever changed people's conception of the universe. CBU will use the theme "celebrating the night sky" to bring together modern astronomical research with Indigenous sciences. Projects will encourage Canadians to re-connect with the night sky, its stars and its planets. In particular, CBU will highlight the rich and diverse knowledges of Canada's Aboriginal peoples whose observations of the sky were traditionally connected through story and ceremony with events occurring on Mother Earth. An important step is reaching out across Canada to encourage participation among all of Canada's Aboriginal communities to enable collective sharing of night sky stories. Mi'kmaq artist Gerald Gloade of Milbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia has shared a piece of his work* with the university to help stimulate national efforts. This piece, entitled "Reflections", is based in Mi'kmaq Traditional Knowledge and depicts the teaching that "everything that happens in the Sky is a reflection of what takes place on Earth". CBU will pursue two additional national projects, including complementing current efforts by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and others to encourage "dark sky preserves" across Canada. The other project includes mapping science educational pathways that help Aboriginal Canadians of all ages to realize their dreams and aspirations. Dr. Cheryl Bartlett, Canada Research Chair in Integrative Science at CBU, who is leading the university's efforts along with Lindsay Marshall, Associate Dean of the Mi'kmaq College Institute, says, "I see CBU's projects as excellent opportunities to promote Indigenous and Western sciences working together for the benefit of youth, communities, and Mother Earth. Currently, we are establishing contacts across Canada, as our first step. It's amazing how quickly and deeply people become interested in what we are proposing." Marshall notes, "We welcome this opportunity for the Mi'kmaq Nation to take a lead role in promoting new and better understandings among all Canadians. Furthermore, these projects will help young Aboriginals to see the science in their own peoples' knowledge and how they can include this knowledge within today's educational pathways." Dr. Jim Hesser of the National Research Council who chairs Canada's IYA planning committee says, "These leadership efforts at CBU offer a tremendously enriching legacy element to IYA celebrations in Canada. From them, all Canadians will have the opportunity to appreciate Aboriginal knowledge of the heavens, and youth will be able to learn of the rich opportunities offered by careers in science and technology to them and their communities." The IAU has the full support of UNESCO for IYA2009, and later this year will also ask the United Nations to officially recognize the international year of commemoration and celebration. IAU is encouraging countries around the world to develop project opportunities for the citizens of Earth to gain deeper insights into astronomy's role in enriching all human cultures. The organization feels projects can also serve as a platform for information about the latest astronomy discoveries while emphasizing the essential role of astronomy in science education.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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September 12, 2007
Cape Breton University: The Earliest Evidence of Parental Care- 260+ million years ago
A newly published online article will bring the exciting research of parental care in extinct animals to the larger research world. Dr. Sean P. Modesto of Cape Breton University and Dr. Jennifer Botha-Brink with the National Museum in Bloemfontein, South Africa have prepared a scientific paper announcing the discovery of a small grouping of extinct animals, known scientifically as varanopids, in South Africa. Varanopids are lizard-like, fossil relatives of mammals that lived approximately 298 to 260 million years ago (for perspective, the last common ancestor of living mammals did not appear until 155-160 million years ago). Entitled, "A mixed-age classes 'pelycosaur' aggregation from South Africa: earliest evidence of parental care in amniotes?" the article was published online today in the journal: Proceedings of the Royal Society, B. Founded in 1660, the Royal Society publishes the journal and is the United Kingdom's national academy of science and plays a crucial role as the champion of top quality science and technology. Botha-Brink and Modesto have spent the last year writing and researching for this project. The article reports the oldest known occurrence of parental care among terrestrial vertebrates. Drs. Botha-Brink and Modesto note that whereas evidence of parental care is widespread in today's living mammals, it is extremely rare to find such evidence in fossils. The discovery in South Africa shows that the positioning of the skeletons in the varanopid grouping is indicative of behavioural positioning at death; in other words, they did not die separately and their carcasses were concentrated together by a natural disaster, such as a flood. One skeleton is adult, whereas the other four are smaller, and equal in size to one another. This suggests that the smaller individuals are siblings. "Because adults that are associated with sibling groups in living animals are usually parents, we have interpreted the varanopid grouping as a family group," says Dr. Modesto. "The adult was probably caring for its offspring in the role of protector. They may have died in a burrow or some other kind of shelter." The significance of this fossil is its great antiquity: the next oldest evidence of parental care in terrestrial vertebrates (land animals) comes from dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous Period, approximately 120 to 65 million years ago. "What is remarkable is that parental care is a hallmark of all mammals and crocodiles, and almost all birds, and is a behaviour that is very familiar to us, especially those of us with children," says Modesto.
Source: Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
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