Talk to focus on crocodile ancestors

Lecture series to kick off at nature center

ANSONIA - Jonathan Weinbaum, a professor at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, will give the first in a new series of SCSU lectures at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Imagine looking for crocodiles in the desert. Weinbaum conducts field research in the colorful badlands of the American Southwest in search of fossils of the extinct ancestors of modern crocodylians.

Research results suggest that ancient crocodylians were not cold-blooded unlike primitive reptiles and modern crocodiles and alligators. This changes the way scientists think about what it means to be a reptile.

This free program is geared toward adults and older students. 
To register, call 203-736-1053. The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

This information was provided by the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.