Tyrannosaurus rex is the most popular dinosaur on the planet, but numerous portrayals in fiction have overtaken science-informed views of this species in the public eye. Behind the stereotyped creature depicted in popular media, scientists have learned more about T. rex than any other dinosaur, crafting an amazingly detailed view of its anatomy, physiology and lifestyle. In this richly illustrated talk, palaeontologist and palaeoartist Mark Witton discusses how and why Tyrannosaurus became a household name, and outlines how the reality of king tyrant biology and ecology eclipses anything dreamt up by Hollywood filmmakers.
Mark Witton is a palaeontological author, artist, and researcher based on the south coast of the UK. He is best known for his research on pterosaurs and his contributions to palaeoart, which involves the evidence-led restoration of extinct organisms through drawings, paintings, sculpture, and film.
Mark's background is rooted in scientific research. He obtained his PhD from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 after three years of studying pterosaurs, the flying reptiles that lived alongside non-avian dinosaurs. While he remains active in pterosaur research, his career has shifted towards reconstructing extinct animals. He now focuses on the history, methods, and technical details of this field, working more as an artist and consultant on the life appearance of extinct animals.
His expertise has been sought by major media clients, including the BBC, National Geographic, Royal Mail, and the Royal Mint. Mark's artwork has been displayed in prestigious venues around the world, such as the Natural History Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Yale Peabody Museum, and London's South Bank.
In 2018, Mark published The Palaeoartist鈥檚 Handbook (Crowood Press), the first synthesis of palaeoart methodology. This book outlines the extensive research and information required to create credible restorations of fossil organisms in the modern scientific climate.