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Learning About Dinosaurs MACOMB, IL (wium) - A conference at Western Illinois University will dig deeper into the past of dinosaurs.

The Conference is titled "The Present As Key to the Past: The Road to Understanding Dinosaurs." W-I-U Vertebrate Paleobiologist, Dr. Matthew Bonnan, believes it is important to understand the creatures of the past and their history.

Bonnan says knowing about the anatomy and behavior of dinosaurs living relatives, which are reptiles and birds, helps researchers learn more about dinosaurs.

The conference is free and open to the public. It will be held Thursday from 9 AM-to-4 PM at the University Union Sandburg Theatre. The Keynote speaker is Dr. William Hammer, Vertebrate Paleontologist at Augustana College. Bonnan and W-I-U students will also give presentations on their dinosaur research.

*Visit Dr. Bonnan's site for a schedule of the event. http://www.wiu.edu/users/mfb100/dino.php © Copyright 2012, wium