Mission statement
There is no mission.

Rough description
This is a non-academic attempt to gain some acquaintanceship with my Mesozoic predecessors. However, if I feel like including non-Mesozoic animals, (eg multituberculates and monotremes), then I do so.

Underlying methodology
There isn't one. Generally, I work from the sources which happen to become available, and rarely seek out a particular book or paper. It keeps me busy enough. Donated material is always welcome. Unless very recently acquired, sources referred to are listed in the central bibliography.

Reliability of content
Generally, things have stood up pretty well against the test of time. However, unless deceased, everybody makes mistakes and manages misunderstandings. I don't assume the information is necessarily accurate. Should you spot apparent errors or omissions, feel free to improve the reliability and scope by letting me know. The address is at the foot of the page. I won't feel offended. (Embarrassment is possible, but that's healthy).

Target audience
There isn't one, but parts of the project have been called informative, entertaining and useful by amateurs and some professional paleontologists. I won't seek to contradict them.

FAQ: Fabricated Asked Questions

# "I'm an adult who wants to know a little bit about Mesozoic mammals and the like. Have you any suggestions?"
You could try Mammal Shorts. If they're too challenging, then ask a ten year old for assistance. If you think that's meant as sarcasm, you're underestimating the abilities of ten year olds.

# "I'm ten, and those were a bit too easy. Isn't there something more demanding?"
Yes, there's the other 99% of the content. Bits and pieces of narrative and information are spread all over the place. I suggest you look around the central index page.

# "I'm a furious student. I based an essay on your such and such page, and got lousy marks because it's wrong. Are you going to apologise?"
I doubt it. You got the marks your efforts earned. By the way, I've checked the such and such against the source mentioned. As it seems to be consistent, perhaps your teacher was incorrect. Nevertheless, I endorse their marking policy.

# "What's your grounding in this subject?"
I haven't done any formal studies. My main relevant qualifications are: interest, bookkeeping abilities, and a way with words. (I can write interesting articles on painting a stairwell - The Family Painting.) Oh, and then there's more interest. I call this approach paleo-bookkeeping. It's not intended to be an ology.

# "Why do you go out of your way to point out you're just an amateur?"
I'm not 'just' an amateur. I'm a dedicated amateur. The first time I received a message for Dr Dykes, I thought it was amusing. On the second occasion, it was more worrying. And then came an invitation to sit on a panel of experts. I want to avoid misunderstandings of that nature. There have been none to report since about 2002.

# "How many people are directly contributing to the on-line contents?"
Less than two, but audience involvement is very welcome and useful.

Trevor Dykes, October 2004
ktdykes@arcor.de