Interviews: Ask What You Will of Paleontologist Jack Horner 208
John "Jack" R. Horner is the Curator of Paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies, adjunct curator at the National Museum of Natural History, and one of the most famous paleontologists in the world. Known in the scientific community for his research on dinosaur growth and whether or not some species lived in social groups, he is most famous for his work on Jurassic Park and being the inspiration for the character of Alan Grant. Horner caused quite a stir with the publication of his book, How to Build a Dinosaur: Extinction Doesn't Have to Be Forever, in which he proposes creating a "chickensaurus" by genetically "nudging" the DNA of a chicken. Jack has agreed to step away from the genetics lab and put down the bones in order to answer your questions. As usual, you're invited to ask as many questions as you'd like, but please divide them, one question per post.
Would you consider a collaboration with KFC? (Score:2, Funny)
Your dinochicken could be the perfect way for KFC to transition to serving actual chicken.
When you were little (Score:4, Funny)
How was the plum? (Score:1, Funny)
(Mother Goose anyone?)
Re:Chickensaurus? (Score:4, Funny)
If I were going to fund 1 program, which should I fund chickensaurus over resurrecting a Neanderthal, Woolly Mammoth, or a Tasmanian Tiger? I mean they are all valid – but please make your case on why you should go first.
Because they're delicious!
Re:Why Dinosaurs? (Score:5, Funny)
Paleontologist Jack Horner
There's a clue there.
How difficult was the career move? (Score:5, Funny)
You don't hear a lot about porn stars going into paleontology...
Plum (Score:2, Funny)
How did pulling out a plum lead you to conclude that you were a good boy?
Re:Do you envision creating marketable pets? (Score:4, Funny)
Oh, dear. I just imagined playing fetch with my pet brontosaurus in the park. Here Nessie, Here Nessie. THUDUMP THUDUMP THUDUMP. Watch out for the doggie! Eeeeeoow. SPLAT. THUDUMP THUDUMP THUDUMP. Good girl!