Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
@heatherfsmith.bsky.social
Editor-in-Chief, The Anatomical Record (@anatrecord.bsky.social). Professor of Anatomy. Evolutionary biologist, paleontologist, and educator studying fossil and extant turtles and carnivorans. anatomicalrecord.com
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
🛡️ New microCT scans are giving us our first look inside the armor of the nodosaur Invictarx zephyri! These heavily armored, plant eating dinosaurs roamed the San Juan Basin (and elsewhere in North America) during the Cretaceous.
September 18, 2026 at 4:19 PM
🛡️ New microCT scans are giving us our first look inside the armor of the nodosaur Invictarx zephyri! These heavily armored, plant eating dinosaurs roamed the San Juan Basin (and elsewhere in North America) during the Cretaceous.
🐶Excited to share that our chapter on canid anatomy and special senses has been published in a new volume on Canine Science!
link.springer.com/chapter/10.1...
link.springer.com/chapter/10.1...
September 17, 2026 at 4:03 PM
🐶Excited to share that our chapter on canid anatomy and special senses has been published in a new volume on Canine Science!
link.springer.com/chapter/10.1...
link.springer.com/chapter/10.1...
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
🐢 Memorable moment from our recent field season from a terrestrial locality in the Menefee Formation, another Campanian unit in the San Juan Basin. One of the highlights of the summer was the discovery of a remarkably complete baenid turtle shell preserved in a hard sandstone ledge
September 16, 2026 at 3:18 PM
🐢 Memorable moment from our recent field season from a terrestrial locality in the Menefee Formation, another Campanian unit in the San Juan Basin. One of the highlights of the summer was the discovery of a remarkably complete baenid turtle shell preserved in a hard sandstone ledge
I had a wonderful time working w/educators last week at the National Rural STEM Summit. In my workshop, "Innovative Anatomy: Animal Skulls & Evolutionary Biology in the Classroom," we explored how skeletal specimens can be powerful tools for teaching anatomy, evolution, ecology & comparative biology
September 11, 2026 at 4:28 PM
I had a wonderful time working w/educators last week at the National Rural STEM Summit. In my workshop, "Innovative Anatomy: Animal Skulls & Evolutionary Biology in the Classroom," we explored how skeletal specimens can be powerful tools for teaching anatomy, evolution, ecology & comparative biology
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
🦈Highlights from our recent SJB field season this past summer, including explorations of our marine Cliff House "Hills Have Eyes" locality, practically exploding w/marine vertebrates, including chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fishes), actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes) & a few mosasaur specimens
September 9, 2026 at 10:28 PM
🦈Highlights from our recent SJB field season this past summer, including explorations of our marine Cliff House "Hills Have Eyes" locality, practically exploding w/marine vertebrates, including chondrichthyans (cartilaginous fishes), actinopterygians (ray-finned fishes) & a few mosasaur specimens
Don't miss this banger AR issue! From the dinosaur cognition debate to updates on Dunkleosteus anatomy to hadrosaur crests, the issue contains tons of exciting new paleo and evolutionary biology papers, many of which are open access: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
🦖✨ New issue alert, spotlighting a timely and fascinating scientific debate: How should we infer cognition in extinct dinosaurs? Two recent papers dive headfirst into this debate — and they do not agree.
Full issue here: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
Full issue here: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
September 9, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Don't miss this banger AR issue! From the dinosaur cognition debate to updates on Dunkleosteus anatomy to hadrosaur crests, the issue contains tons of exciting new paleo and evolutionary biology papers, many of which are open access: anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
🐢San Juan Basin Paleo Project abstracts accepted for #SVP2026!
We evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenid turtles and a reassessment of the baenid turtle "Neurankylus notos"
We evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenid turtles and a reassessment of the baenid turtle "Neurankylus notos"
September 6, 2026 at 4:25 PM
🐢San Juan Basin Paleo Project abstracts accepted for #SVP2026!
We evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenid turtles and a reassessment of the baenid turtle "Neurankylus notos"
We evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenid turtles and a reassessment of the baenid turtle "Neurankylus notos"
🦖 We've started an account for the San Juan Basin Paleontology Project, @sjbpaleo.bsky.social. We'll be sharing updates on our fieldwork, fossil studies, and other related research. Follow to keep up with our paleo adventures in the Late Cretaceous SJB of New Mexico! 🐢🦈🐊🐟
September 5, 2026 at 10:56 PM
🦖 We've started an account for the San Juan Basin Paleontology Project, @sjbpaleo.bsky.social. We'll be sharing updates on our fieldwork, fossil studies, and other related research. Follow to keep up with our paleo adventures in the Late Cretaceous SJB of New Mexico! 🐢🦈🐊🐟
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
📣 We’re thrilled to announce that the 6th Circular of the IPC7 is now available!
Don’t miss out on the latest updates as we prepare to welcome paleontologists from around the world to Cape Town, South Africa in 2026!
📥 Download -> www.ipc7.site
Don’t miss out on the latest updates as we prepare to welcome paleontologists from around the world to Cape Town, South Africa in 2026!
📥 Download -> www.ipc7.site
September 3, 2026 at 8:50 AM
📣 We’re thrilled to announce that the 6th Circular of the IPC7 is now available!
Don’t miss out on the latest updates as we prepare to welcome paleontologists from around the world to Cape Town, South Africa in 2026!
📥 Download -> www.ipc7.site
Don’t miss out on the latest updates as we prepare to welcome paleontologists from around the world to Cape Town, South Africa in 2026!
📥 Download -> www.ipc7.site
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
SVP Sues the Trump Administration for Shrinking Bears Ears National Monument
Now THIS is what I want my membership dues going towards
@societyofvertpaleo.bsky.social
vertpaleo.org/svp-sues-the...
Now THIS is what I want my membership dues going towards
@societyofvertpaleo.bsky.social
vertpaleo.org/svp-sues-the...
SVP Sues the Trump Administration for Shrinking Bears Ears National Monument – Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
vertpaleo.org
September 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
SVP Sues the Trump Administration for Shrinking Bears Ears National Monument
Now THIS is what I want my membership dues going towards
@societyofvertpaleo.bsky.social
vertpaleo.org/svp-sues-the...
Now THIS is what I want my membership dues going towards
@societyofvertpaleo.bsky.social
vertpaleo.org/svp-sues-the...
Congratulations to my colleague & friend, Dr. Randy Nydam on his new position as Senior Assoc Dean for Academic Affairs at Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine!
It has been a privilege to work with Randy & learn from one of the most knowledgeable anatomy educators & squamate paleontologists I know
It has been a privilege to work with Randy & learn from one of the most knowledgeable anatomy educators & squamate paleontologists I know
September 3, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Congratulations to my colleague & friend, Dr. Randy Nydam on his new position as Senior Assoc Dean for Academic Affairs at Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine!
It has been a privilege to work with Randy & learn from one of the most knowledgeable anatomy educators & squamate paleontologists I know
It has been a privilege to work with Randy & learn from one of the most knowledgeable anatomy educators & squamate paleontologists I know
Catch-up post from my recent trip to the amazing Melbourne Museum. #FossilFriday
August 28, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Catch-up post from my recent trip to the amazing Melbourne Museum. #FossilFriday
🐢San Juan Basin Paleo Project abstracts accepted for #SVP2026!
We re-evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenids and a reassessment of "Neurankylus notos"
We re-evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenids and a reassessment of "Neurankylus notos"
August 26, 2026 at 5:19 PM
🐢San Juan Basin Paleo Project abstracts accepted for #SVP2026!
We re-evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenids and a reassessment of "Neurankylus notos"
We re-evaluated the Coniacian-Santonian turtle fauna of the Crevasse Canyon Formation (New Mexico), including evidence for one of the earliest known plastomenids and a reassessment of "Neurankylus notos"
On a recent trip to Melbourne, I was excited to meet an icon. “Horridus” is an authentic67 Ma Triceratops horridus skeleton on permanent display at Melbourne Museum. Each element has been scanned, and several are presented as interactive, rotating holograms. The exhibit is incredibly immersive!
August 21, 2026 at 4:08 PM
On a recent trip to Melbourne, I was excited to meet an icon. “Horridus” is an authentic67 Ma Triceratops horridus skeleton on permanent display at Melbourne Museum. Each element has been scanned, and several are presented as interactive, rotating holograms. The exhibit is incredibly immersive!
August 14, 2026 at 3:22 AM
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
Pleased to share our latest special issue: Feeding biomechanics in vertebrates & beyond! The issue brings together studies spanning insects, fishes & mammals to explore feeding biomechanics
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
Guest Editors: Böhmer & Winkler
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
Guest Editors: Böhmer & Winkler
August 5, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Pleased to share our latest special issue: Feeding biomechanics in vertebrates & beyond! The issue brings together studies spanning insects, fishes & mammals to explore feeding biomechanics
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
Guest Editors: Böhmer & Winkler
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
Guest Editors: Böhmer & Winkler
So proud of our Summer Veterinary Research Scholars! Today they gave their practice poster presentations before heading off to present their research at an upcoming national conference. Great work and safe travels to Isabel Piccinini, JC Cruz & Jessica Cavaliere!
@squeacslab.bsky.social
@squeacslab.bsky.social
August 4, 2026 at 5:18 PM
So proud of our Summer Veterinary Research Scholars! Today they gave their practice poster presentations before heading off to present their research at an upcoming national conference. Great work and safe travels to Isabel Piccinini, JC Cruz & Jessica Cavaliere!
@squeacslab.bsky.social
@squeacslab.bsky.social
African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) paper now in @anatrecord.bsky.social's Feeding Biomechanics Special Issue! Using dissection & diceCT, we show powerful bites aren't just about bigger muscles—muscle architecture, skull mechanics & fascia may be key🐺
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
August 3, 2026 at 5:35 PM
African wild dog (Lycaon pictus) paper now in @anatrecord.bsky.social's Feeding Biomechanics Special Issue! Using dissection & diceCT, we show powerful bites aren't just about bigger muscles—muscle architecture, skull mechanics & fascia may be key🐺
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Honored to have been part of this award-winning special issue and grateful to see our work recognized with a 2026 APEX Award for Publication Excellence! Congratulations to the guest editors, authors, reviewers, and everyone who contributed to highlighting the incredible fossil record of China
AR has received an APEX Award for Publication Excellence for the special issue "Looking into Chinese Fossils: Paleobiology, Evolution, and Biodiversity", which showcases exceptional fossil discoveries from China—from ancient dinosaurs to insects
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
July 28, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Honored to have been part of this award-winning special issue and grateful to see our work recognized with a 2026 APEX Award for Publication Excellence! Congratulations to the guest editors, authors, reviewers, and everyone who contributed to highlighting the incredible fossil record of China
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
📢 Call for Papers: The Anatomical Record is seeking submissions for a Special Issue on Strepsirrhine Anatomy, Ecology, and Evolution. We welcome original research, reviews & commentaries exploring strepsirrhine functional anatomy, phenotypic plasticity & evolutionary history 🐒
📅 Deadline: November 1
📅 Deadline: November 1
July 23, 2026 at 11:30 AM
📢 Call for Papers: The Anatomical Record is seeking submissions for a Special Issue on Strepsirrhine Anatomy, Ecology, and Evolution. We welcome original research, reviews & commentaries exploring strepsirrhine functional anatomy, phenotypic plasticity & evolutionary history 🐒
📅 Deadline: November 1
📅 Deadline: November 1
Excited to receive print copies of the latest issue of Lithodendron, which includes our recent article on Campanian Ophiomorpha fossils from the Menefee Fm.-Cliff House Sandstone transition, San Juan Basin, New Mexico!
Link to the article: petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org/lithodendron...
Link to the article: petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org/lithodendron...
July 24, 2026 at 4:53 PM
Excited to receive print copies of the latest issue of Lithodendron, which includes our recent article on Campanian Ophiomorpha fossils from the Menefee Fm.-Cliff House Sandstone transition, San Juan Basin, New Mexico!
Link to the article: petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org/lithodendron...
Link to the article: petrifiedforestfieldinstitute.org/lithodendron...
Excellent time at San Diego Natural History Museum's "Nat at Night" event last weekend, featuring dire wolves, Ankylosaurus, Lambeosaurus, assorted turtles, grey whales, and more! 🦖🐢🐋
July 21, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Excellent time at San Diego Natural History Museum's "Nat at Night" event last weekend, featuring dire wolves, Ankylosaurus, Lambeosaurus, assorted turtles, grey whales, and more! 🦖🐢🐋
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
Check out our new August issue!
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
The cover features a new 3D anatomical atlas of the heads of the veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus by Alice Leavey et al.:
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
The cover features a new 3D anatomical atlas of the heads of the veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus by Alice Leavey et al.:
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
July 7, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Check out our new August issue!
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
The cover features a new 3D anatomical atlas of the heads of the veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus by Alice Leavey et al.:
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/19328494...
The cover features a new 3D anatomical atlas of the heads of the veiled chameleon, Chamaeleo calyptratus by Alice Leavey et al.:
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Heather F. Smith. Ph.D.
⭐ We're pleased to share that our Impact Factor has increased to 2.6!
While IF is only one bibliometric measure of journal influence, it's still encouraging to see this positive trajectory.
Thank you to our authors, reviewers, editorial board members & readers for their contributions and support!
While IF is only one bibliometric measure of journal influence, it's still encouraging to see this positive trajectory.
Thank you to our authors, reviewers, editorial board members & readers for their contributions and support!
June 24, 2026 at 10:30 AM
⭐ We're pleased to share that our Impact Factor has increased to 2.6!
While IF is only one bibliometric measure of journal influence, it's still encouraging to see this positive trajectory.
Thank you to our authors, reviewers, editorial board members & readers for their contributions and support!
While IF is only one bibliometric measure of journal influence, it's still encouraging to see this positive trajectory.
Thank you to our authors, reviewers, editorial board members & readers for their contributions and support!
📢Call for Papers!
Following up on our successful session at the recent GSA Rocky Mountain section meeting, we're excited to announce we're assembling a Special Issue of The Anatomical Record: The Campanian Crucible: A synthesis of vertebrate paleobiogeography and ecosystem dynamics in Laramidia
Following up on our successful session at the recent GSA Rocky Mountain section meeting, we're excited to announce we're assembling a Special Issue of The Anatomical Record: The Campanian Crucible: A synthesis of vertebrate paleobiogeography and ecosystem dynamics in Laramidia
June 19, 2026 at 4:03 PM
📢Call for Papers!
Following up on our successful session at the recent GSA Rocky Mountain section meeting, we're excited to announce we're assembling a Special Issue of The Anatomical Record: The Campanian Crucible: A synthesis of vertebrate paleobiogeography and ecosystem dynamics in Laramidia
Following up on our successful session at the recent GSA Rocky Mountain section meeting, we're excited to announce we're assembling a Special Issue of The Anatomical Record: The Campanian Crucible: A synthesis of vertebrate paleobiogeography and ecosystem dynamics in Laramidia