Latest news with #LakeForestCollege
Time of India
6 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
100-million-year-old dinosaur eggs recovered in Jurassic America
100-million-year-old dinosaur eggs recovered in Jurassic America Central Utah, 100 million years ago, was a very different place–covered in forests and water. It was a lush, watery landscape on the edge of the Western Interior Seaway. In this landscape, dinosaurs and early mammals drank from the same water sources, while ancient crocodiles hid beneath the surface, to attack their prey. Dense forests and rivers supported a wide variety of life. This region was part of a dynamic ecosystem where survival depended on constant adaptation. Recent fossil discoveries from the Mussentuchit Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation—including bones and broken eggshells—offer a rare glimpse, helping scientists understand the creatures that once thrived in this ancient, ever-changing environment. 4000 dinosaur eggshell fragments found buried in 20 sites For over a year, paleontologists assumed that there was just one type of dinosaur egg buried in the to their assumption was proven wrong after the researchers collected more than 4,000 eggshell fragments from 20 sites and examined them under scanning electron microscopes and light microscopes. As the eggshells split into at least six distinct ootaxa- a scientific term for fossil egg species, showed that several different animals shared the same nesting grounds. 'The most interesting thing about this for me is the multiple types of elongatoolithid eggshells, which correspond to multiple types of oviraptorosaur dinosaurs', shared Dr. Josh Hedge, a visiting assistant professor of biology at Lake Forest College. He added, 'I think historically we have been guilty of thinking there is one kind of each dinosaur in a given ecosystem, but we are finding more and more that multiple species of each group are likely coexisting.' Their research suggests that at least two or three oviraptorosaurs of different sizes were laying eggs in that Utah ecosystem at the same time. Dinosaur egg diversity Many of the eggshells found belonged to feathered dinosaurs called Oviraptorosauras. These eggs were long and narrow, similar to the modern bird eggs, a shape that might have helped the embryos breathe while buried in warm sand. Other eggs belonged to plant eating dinosaurs that walked on two legs called Ornithopods. But perhaps the most surprising find was Mycomorphoolithus kohringi, an egg type previously found only in Europe, indicating that a crocodylomorph, a prehistoric relative of crocodiles, also lived in North America during the Cretaceous period. About the egg layers Most Oviraptorosaurs were mid-sized, feathered omnivores with strong beaks and stubby tails. Among the recent skeletal finds, Moros, a horse-sized early tyrannosaur, and lani, a beaked plant-eater were also found. Meanwhile, Ornithopods were the workhorses of the Cretaceous West. They left abundant tracks but rarely complete skeletons. They were dry-season grazers or wet-season thick-walled eggs support the idea that they buried their clutches in vegetation, much like today's megapode birds. What eggs clue about the ancient ecosystem Clutch spacing, shell thickness , and pore patterns tell us about the soil moisture, vegetation cover, and parental care behaviors. The six ootaxa signify: shallow buried mounds for crocodile cousins, sand plastered rings for oviraptorosaurs, and leaf-blanketed pits for ornithopods. Microscopic and scanning electron analysis revealed crystallite patterns thinner than a human hair, allowing the scientists to match tiny fragments to broader evolutionary groups. This wide variety suggests the characteristics of an ecosystem, rich in microhabitats, where animals could partition the resources and thrive side by side. Also read | Is the 'doomsday fish' a real omen of disaster? Here's what scientists say
Chicago Tribune
29-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Outdoors column: Violets of different colors bloom in spring
Roses are red. Violets are blue. But sometimes they can be yellow, too. Or even white. Roughly 20 species of violets grow in Illinois, and many have heart-shaped leaves with five petals on blooms rising just a few inches above the ground. Walking Wright Woods the other day while admiring trout lilies, spring beauties and hepaticas, I noted some common violets, the blue ones. These are often called dooryard violets and the Latin name is viola sororia. These native violets readily reseed and can take over your lawn. They grow profusely in my lawn, and I welcome them as a nice native alternative to Kentucky blue grass. Christopher Enroth, horticulture educator for the University of Illinois Extension Services, says the common blue violet is his favorite 'weed.' A 'weed' is often defined as a plant that's out of place, whether it's native or not. While some think common blue violets are native to Illinois, others consider them weeds. Enroth knows homeowners who battle common blue violets on their lawns, but he grows them on purpose. 'Violets have been a great addition to my yard,' he writes on his blog. 'In spring they bloom beautiful violet to blue flowers. Some flowers even emerge white. Within the species, there is a lot of variability. Some leaves are smooth and hairless, while other plants have rough hairy leaves.' Enroth says if you are sure what you have in your yard are common blue violets, and you don't use pesticides, you might consider adding the flowers and leaves to salads. A half-cup of violet leaves can contain as much vitamin C as three oranges, he said. I only find the blue violets in my yard, but each spring I happen upon one or two very small clumps of yellow violets. At Wright Woods the other day, I saw some heart-shaped leaves with yellow blooms upon which thin, purplish veins emanated halfway up the flower's throat. Those veins are found on many violet species, possibly as a way to lead pollinators to the flower's nectar. I also discovered a larger clump of yellow violets at Ryerson Woods. Lake Forest College has a website mentioning various native Illinois flowers, including the downy yellow violet, which it says, 'is ubiquitous all through central and northern Illinois.' A lookalike, called the hairy violet, according to another expert is, 'occasional in northern Illinois, while in the rest of the state it is apparently absent.' I'm guessing my yellow violets were the downy yellows. The flowers of some violet species can be fragrant, and have been used as a perfume substitute at the turn of the 20th century. The flowers attract myriad insects, including several species of native bees which sip the nectar and transfer pollen. Species of fritillary butterflies lay their eggs on violets. When caterpillars hatch, they eat the violet's leaves at night to escape predators such as birds. Cottontail rabbits eat the leaves and stems of some violet species. I'd much rather see a rabbit eat violets in my yard than the new American plum tree I just planted. Mourning doves and white-footed mice eat violet seeds. Ants also take violet seeds to their young at the nest. I don't worry about the ants in my yard because woodpeckers, called northern flickers, live in the neighborhood, and they eat lots of ants. If you stumble upon a white violet, you are lucky indeed. The Canada violet, which is white, not purple or yellow, is endangered in Illinois. The only place you might find it in the state is along wooded bluffs or in somewhat wet woodlands in northwestern Illinois. Occasionally, you may come across a white-colored violet in your outdoor forays, but unless you know exactly how to identify a Canada violet, it's likely an aberrant white-colored blue violet. Another less common violet species in Illinois is the bird's foot violet. It prefers dry, shallow soil and has lilac to deep purple hues. Its deeply lobed leaves are said to look like a bird's foot. One place to find this rarity is on dry, sandy soils in northeastern Illinois, for example, at Illinois Beach State Park. Like other violet species, the bird's foot blooms in spring. More than a century ago, Illinois school children named the violet as Illinois's state flower. I think they chose well because violets are native to Illinois, as well as beneficial to humans and wildlife. Some, like the common blue violet, are plentiful and lovely to see blooming in spring.
Chicago Tribune
11-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Lake Forest ranked second in national survey of wealthiest retirement communities
Lake Forest placed second nationwide of the wealthiest retirement communities, according to a recent survey. In a list of the richest cities for retirees, the personal finance website had Lake Forest in second place out of 50. The rankings were based on an analysis of municipalities with overall populations greater than 15,000 people and senior citizens representing more than a quarter of the population. Median income and livability index also factored into the equation. Lake Forest has a median income of $228,120 and 25.8 % of the population is over age 65. Only Saratoga, California, finished higher with a median income of $241,348. Local officials were pleased with the results. 'Lake Forest has long been recognized for its exceptional quality of life, outstanding services and amenities, and strong appeal to residents of all ages, including retirees,' city spokesperson Dana Olson wrote in an e-mail. 'This reputation is reinforced by the latest Community-Wide Survey, where an overwhelming 98 % of respondents rated Lake Forest's quality of life as excellent or very good.' Olson pointed to the city's amenities, including recreational opportunities, cultural attractions and housing options, as other reasons why seniors live in Lake Forest. 'Lake Forest offers a unique blend of charm, convenience, and high-quality amenities that make it an ideal place for retirees. Residents also enjoy cultural enrichment from having Lake Forest College in town, including lectures, continuing education opportunities, and more. Lake Forest has a vibrant cultural and recreational scene, including community events, golf courses, and easy access to Chicago's world-class arts and entertainment offerings and health care facilities.' City leaders have noted that approximately 1,500 new households have entered the community since May 2020, many of them young families. However, Olson does not express concern that a community winning national recognition for seniors may not be as enticing for young families. 'Lake Forest is a welcoming community for residents of all ages,' Olson wrote. 'With top-rated schools, family-friendly parks, and engaging community events, it's an ideal place for young families – reflected in the many who have moved here in the past five years. At the same time, its high-quality amenities, cultural offerings, and recreational opportunities make it just as appealing for retirees. This balance keeps Lake Forest a thriving, multi-generational community where people of all ages can connect and enjoy an exceptional quality of life.' Northbrook finished seventh overall in the survey with a median income of $155.321. Westchester was the only other Illinois community on the list, coming in at 40th place with a median income of $103.561.
