Discover the world’s first complete T-rex skeleton – locked in a duel with triceratops!



[ad_1]

RALEIGH, NC – Fossils can sometimes give humans a little glimpse into prehistoric times. However, a giant find in the United States gives scientists a startling look at two of the most famous dinosaurs of the time. Scientists have revealed the world’s first complete T-rex skeleton – found after his death in a deadly duel with a triceratops.

Each of the 67 million-year-old remains are among the most intact fossils found and have only been seen by a select few since their discovery in 2006. The couple, nicknamed the “dueling dinosaurs”, are preserved together in this which appears to be a predator-prey encounter that saw the two fight to the death.

Buried in sediment in Montana, they were discovered by professional fossil hunters – a cattle rancher and two buddies. Incredibly, their body contours, skin impressions, and injuries – including tyrannosaur teeth stuck in the triceratops’ body – can still be seen. (Photo credit: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences)

A group of professional fossil hunters – a cattle ranching cowboy and two friends – have found the couple buried in sediment in Montana. Incredibly, their body contours, skin impressions and injuries are still visible. Some of these injuries include tyrannosaur teeth stuck in the body of the triceratops.

Find the T-rex skeleton a new home

It took years to extract the 14-ton skeletons from the Earth and organize their sale, which is why only a few dozen people would have seen the historic find. Now, the Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences have announced that they have purchased the skeleton for an undisclosed sum. The group making the donation adds that the museum is expected to start building its new exhibit in 2021.

Dr. Eric Dorfman, director and CEO of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, calls the fossil “one of the most important paleontological discoveries of our time.” It is also believed to be the only 100% complete T-rex ever discovered by humans.

Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton
Each of the 67 million year old remains are among the best ever found and have only been seen by a select few since their discovery in 2006. (Photo credit: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences)

“We haven’t studied this specimen yet; it’s a scientific frontier, ”adds Dr Lindsay Zanno, head of paleontology at the museum, in a press release. “Preservation is phenomenal, and we plan to use all available technological innovations to reveal new information on the biology of T. rex and Triceratops. This fossil will forever change our view of the world’s two favorite dinosaurs.

“Not only are we able to uncover unknown details about the anatomy and behavior of these animals, but our new dedicated facility and educational programs will allow us to interact with the local public, across North Carolina and in the world, ”says Dr. Dorfman.

Finally ready to be examined

The breeder, his friend and a cousin located the fossils in 2006 and reportedly made an agreement with the landowners about the find. The “Dueling Dinosaurs” themselves were auctioned in 2013 at Bonhams in New York, but no bid reached the reserve price of $ 6 million.

T-Rex
The couple – dubbed the ‘dueling dinosaurs’ – are preserved together in what is believed to be a predator-prey encounter, where the two fought to the death. (Photo credit: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences)

While negotiations dragged on for years, the fossils were said to have remained locked in laboratories or warehouses. However, thanks to new donors, this prehistoric treasure can now find a home in the North Carolina Museum.

Dinosaur carcasses have yet to be studied and remain buried in the sediments of the Montana hill. Each bone is in its natural position, and scientists at the museum will have access to biological data that is usually lost during the excavation process.

SWNS writer Fiona Jackson contributed to this report.



[ad_2]

Source link