Scientific American A paleontologist and an illustrator team up to make mythical creatures follow biomechanical rules By: close Michael B. Habib Michael B. Habib is a paleontologist and biomechanist at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. He studies the anatomy and motion of pterosaurs, birds and feathered dinosaurs. Credit: Nick Higgins close Terryl Whitlatch Terryl Whitlatch is an illustrator who specializes in animal anatomy, paleontological reconstruction and the design of imaginary creatures. She has designed characters in the Star Wars movies, among many other films. Credit: Nick Higgins AUTHORS Michael B. Habib Michael B. Habib is a paleontologist and biomechanist at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. He studies the anatomy and motion of pterosaurs, birds and feathered dinosaurs.