Palaeoconservatory

The Palaeoconservatory is a pleasant change-of-pace for many Museum visitors. Vibrant with unusual plants, carp and a squadron of turtles, the display presents vegetation that grew in Alberta millions of years ago. Some plants may be on sale in the Gift Shop.

Plants with a Past

The Mesozoic Era is introduced by the Palaeoconservatory. To enter, look carefully for the plate glass doors at the end of the Permian exhibit. The Palaeoconservatory is a collection of plants found in southern Alberta during the last phase of the Age of Dinosaurs. Little-changed descendants of primitive plants have been brought together from the southeastern United States, South East Asia and elsewhere. They provide a striking contrast to the dry, barren badlands of modern Alberta.

Some species here have changed little in the last 180 million years. Others have ancestors that date back even further - to the 350 million year old Devonian period.

During the time of dinosaurs in Alberta, lush plant growth supported some giant appetites. The Museum's 345 metre-square Palaeoconservatory gives an idea of what some of that vegetation was like.

The temperature in the Palaeoconservatory ranges between 17C and 25C and the relative humidity is maintained at 60 percent. The plants have been selected on the basis of their fossil record, but they have been grouped according to their growth requirements. Hardier palaeospecies can be found in the gardens outside.

This document was prepared by Wayne Hortensius, Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society. All information © 1995 Royal Tyrrell Museum. All Rights Reserved.
Updated: April 8, 1995

Comments, questions, suggestions?