Paul M. Barrett

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About

Paul M. Barrett is a leading vertebrate paleontologist whose research focuses on dinosaur functional morphology, macroevolution, and the paleobiology of herbivorous dinosaurs. His work has fundamentally reshaped how scientists interpret dinosaur behavior and ecology. In his highly cited 2005 paper, "Dinosaur killer claws or climbing crampons?" (62 citations), Barrett challenged the long-held "killer claw" hypothesis for dromaeosaurid theropods—famously associated with *Velociraptor*—by modeling hindlimb function and proposing that the hypertrophied pedal claw may have served as a climbing crampon rather than a disemboweling weapon. This contribution sparked widespread debate and redefined functional interpretations of predatory adaptations. Beyond this, Barrett has made major contributions to dinosaur diversity patterns, herbivore feeding mechanics, and the impact of mass extinctions. With over 200 publications and thousands of citations, he is recognized as a highly influential figure in paleontology. He has also been instrumental in major museum exhibitions and public science communication, notably at the Natural History Museum, London, where his work bridges rigorous anatomical analysis with broader evolutionary questions.