Kentland Quarry Impact Site – Western Indiana

Gravity Map of the Chixulub Impact Site

Chixulub Structure

A Zircon

The Uranium – Lead Concordia Diagram

Although the book “Night Comes to the Cretaceous” is primarily a review of a single geologic problem (the K/T Extinction), it is also an excellent discussion about how science works in general. In a well-written essay, and using examples from your book, discuss how scientific methodology was used to solve the dilemma of dinosaur extinction. You must include examples of the following:

a) How does a “problem” lead to hypothesis formulation?

b) The interdisciplinary aspect of science – how different types of data are used to corroborate results.

c) Hypothesis Testing – Making and testing predictions

d) Paradigm Shifts – How do prevailing paradigms influence scientific thought. What does it take to overthrow a reigning paradigm?

e) What paradigms changed as a result of the K/T controversy? Explain.