Today CNN online has a report on a palaeontological find in Wyoming of three Triceratops.
Triceratops image source : wikipedia.com
The article begins:
(CNN) — There were three of them, one of them probably a child, and at least one met a gruesome end at the hands of a terrifying predator.
About 67 million years later, a Wyoming rancher led scientists to their remains. Now experts are digging out one of the most complete skeletons yet of a Triceratops, the three-horned, plant-eating dinosaur that was one of the last of the giant reptiles.
Now we know what the reporter was trying to get at, but the use of the phrase ‘at the hands of’ in an animal with minimal ability to use its front appendages is unfortunate.
And perhaps referring to a juvenile of this species as a ‘child’, is less than accurate as well.
At the end of the article, a tag line encourages readers that : for more Science News go to CNN LIght Years which strives to tell the stories of science research, discovery, space and education. This is your go-to place on CNN.com for today’s stories, but also for a scientific perspective on the news and everyday wonders.
Perhaps media who offer ‘Science News’ and ‘strive to show a scientific perspective’ should hold their reporting to a higher standard.
