[ad_1]
© Matt Zeher / North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
It may have been a battle of the ages in old Montana.
About 67 million years ago, two iconic dinosaurs, a Triceratops horridus and a Tyrannosaurus rex, died and were quickly buried side by side in a single grave. And both have battle scars. It’s the kind of showdown scientists have speculated on for years, but it has only appeared in the “Jurassic Park” games – until now.
The incredibly complete skeletons of these “dueling dinosaurs” will be on display and studied at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in 2022, the museum said on Tuesday. The museum is located in downtown Raleigh.
The Triceratops fossil was first discovered in 2006 during the erosion of sedimentary rock from the Hell Creek Formation. This rock formation, which dates back 65.5 million years, was named in honor of Hell Creek near Jordan, Montana. The Late Cretaceous fossil treasure sprawl over parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
The remains of a Tyrannosaurus rex have also been found slightly overlapping the Triceratops. Both were taken from the rock formation, wrapped in plaster, and stored safely until they could be studied.
These are some of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever found. Additionally, researchers believe that the Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton is the only 100% complete T. rex fossil.
Both skeletons are also articulated, which means that all the bones have been kept in their correct order. It is rare to find an articulated fossil, and this find includes two.
An old cold affair
While the fossils are still trapped in the sedimentary stone, what is visible tells an intriguing story.
So far, an analysis of the Triceratops fossil has revealed actual skin impressions on its steering wheel and hips. The tyrannosaur’s teeth are embedded in its spine. But the arms of the Triceratops are not visible. Researchers are unsure if they were simply encased in the stone beneath its body, or if they were scavenged by other dinosaurs before the Triceratops was buried.
They also want to know if the contents of his stomach have been preserved. If so, they could learn more about his last meal.
The Tyrannosaurus rex had most of its teeth broken; he also has a broken finger and his skull is cracked. Researchers want to find out if all of this damage was suffered in a possible battle with the Triceratops, or if it was postmortem injuries.
© Matt Zeher / North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The skull of T. rex shows traces of broken teeth.
The Tyrannoraurus rex fossil also bears an impression of skin on its foot, which researchers say is remarkably similar to that of a modern emu.
The museum is building a new laboratory, the SECU DinoLab, to house the fossils when they are on display in 2022. It will also be a hub for scientists who study fossils. The exhibition is expected to be on display to the public for five years.
Some of the other questions researchers want to answer about fossils include determining the preservation of molecules in skin prints and the presence of feathers on the tyrannosaur fossil. Scientists would also like to identify if it was an adolescent Tyrannosaurus rex and find out more details about the wheel of the Triceratops.
© Matt Zeher / North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The T. rex part of the double fossil discovery shows what appears to be a juvenile dinosaur.
And, of course, they want to know how the dinosaurs died and if they were actually locked into a dueling showdown beforehand.
Because fossils are still buried in sediment, their body contours and impressions of skin and soft tissue remain. These details are often lost when the fossils are fully excavated in the field.
“We have not yet studied this specimen; it is a scientific frontier. 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 perspective on the world’s two favorite dinosaurs, ”said Lindsay Zanno, head of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and associate research professor at North Carolina State University, in a statement. .
“The way we designed the whole experience – inviting the public to follow scientific discoveries in real time and participate in the research – will set a new standard for museums.”
Donate dinosaurs
The popular pair of dinosaurs was donated to the museum on Tuesday by friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The non-profit organization acquired the fossils using private funds provided by the support of a multitude of foundations.
“It is an immeasurable honor to welcome these specimens as they take up their permanent residence here at the Museum,” said Jason Barron, president of the Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. “Duel of Dinosaurs is a singular discovery; we are extremely grateful to our supporters for making this a reality and for allowing our visitors – in person and virtually – to experience this journey with us.”
The exhibition will also enrich the museum’s paleontological teaching and research programs.
“The Museum is delighted to have the unique opportunity to house and research one of the most important paleontological finds of our time,” said Eric Dorfman, Director and CEO of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in a communicated. “Not only are we able to uncover unknown details about the anatomy and behavior of these animals, our new dedicated facility and educational programs will allow us to engage with the public locally, across North Carolina and in the world.”
The SECU DinoLab will allow visitors to observe researchers as they study the fossils and to speak with the paleontology team.
And for those at home, the lab will share research updates and live videos to learn more about their findings in real time.
© Matt Zeher / North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The fossils show skin impressions.
© Matt Zeher / North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
T. rex had sharp, crescent-shaped talons.
[ad_2]
Source link