First name of the paleontologist who in 1990 noticed some large vertebrae jutting from an eroding bluff in South Dakota

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Today’s Final Jeopardy Category is: First Names in Science

Today’s Final Jeopardy

First name of the paleontologist who in 1990 noticed some large vertebrae jutting from an eroding bluff in South Dakota

Final Jeopardy Answer

The Final Jeopardy Answer is: Sue

Final Jeopardy Explanation

The individual who spotted large dinosaur vertebrae sticking out from a decaying cliff in South Dakota in 1990 was paleontologist Sue Hendrickson. She came upon this extraordinary find while her team, headed by Peter Larson, was dealing with vehicle issues and had briefly paused their expedition. Hendrickson decided to use the time to investigate a nearby rock face, where she made the significant discovery.

The recovered skeleton turned out to be one of the most complete T. rex specimens ever found and was named “Sue” after its discoverer. A complex legal struggle followed, involving the person who owned the land, the U.S. government, and the Black Hills Institute, the entity overseeing the excavation. The end result was that the fossil was confiscated by the federal authorities and put up for auction.

Ultimately, Chicago’s Field Museum successfully bid for the skeleton, making it a permanent exhibit. The T. rex, affectionately called “Sue,” now offers a treasure trove of scientific data while also serving as a popular attraction for museum-goers.