But for dino scientists, computers play an even more important role. Computers let scientists examine dinosaur fossils in ways they never could before. The digital images are processed by a computer, where scientists get a 3-D look at both the inner and outer structure of fossils like dino skulls. This could take days or even months and could also damage the bones. Now paleontologists can look at the computer images of fossils covered in dirt or clay to get a better idea of what they look like, both inside and out.
Computers even let paleontologists learn more about the sounds dinosaurs made.
Paleontologists are also using computers to create robotic dinos that move and look like real ones. They hope to let these life-like dinosaurs loose in museums, where they'll roam around and chew on a plant or two.