Torosaurus Was a Cretaceous Ceratopsid

Torosaurus, pronounced TOR-uh-SAWR-us, (protuberance lizard) (pierced lizard?) was an immense chasmosaurine ceratopsid (tribe Triceratopsini) dinosaur, having had one of the largest skulls of any known land animal.

Chasmosaurinae is a subfamily of Ceratopsid dinosaurs—Torosaurus and Triceratops are two well-known relatives of the family Chasmosaurinae.  Being of a ‘tribe’ (Triceratopsini) of genera, the genus is considered to be at the pinnacle of development for that family.  Torosaurus (and its better-known cousin Triceratops) is one of the most advanced herbivores of its time on here on Earth.

Quick Facts

What did Torosaurus Look Like?

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Miss Oppenheimer

Torosaurus had jarringly a jarringly large skull with bony crest that could measure nine feet long in total length, with the massive crest itself taking up more than half the total length.  The head itself was large and supported long, sharp and robust horns on the brow just above the eyes.   The skull of Torosaurus is the largest of any land animal that ever lived.

Chasmosaurinae all share the basic characteristics of the prominent brow horns and long neck frills with no other spines or scales.

In comparison the body was also large, but softer and without the defenses of any hard bony scales.  The neck frill and horns of Torosaurus would have had to suffice in most of this animal’s defense.  It is probable also that the frill was decorated in such a way as to serve methods of defense, as well as to attract potential mates.

What did Torosaurus Eat?

Image Courtesy of Flickr User apparentbliss

Torosaurus was an herbivore, belonging to one of the most successful groups of herbivores of their time.  The species genus was primarily quadrupedal and heavy; as such, this genus would have had to eat a lot of food to maintain its heft.  Torosaurus probably browsed daily on area foliage, and probably in the swampiest areas, venturing out miles to graze upon any grassy areas, which would have still been sparse at the time.  Torosaurus probably ate ferns, conifers and cycads, utilizing its strong jaws and sharp beak to break heavier pieces of foliage.

How did Torosaurus move?

Torosaurus was a quadrupedal herbivore which however belongs to the family whose name indicates a tendency to move in bipedal movement at times.  A member of the micro-order Neoceratopsia, and the tribe Triceratopsini, Torosaurus could have been advanced enough to have exhibited or been a precursor for bipedal movement.  Only minimal Torosaurus fossil-finds have been made, so knowledge is sparse.

After previously being considered slow, with inefficiently opposing—or splaying—forelimbs, new findings based on unscarred and uncrushed fossils showed that the forelimbs of Torosaurus were articulated in such an aligned way that enable it to run incredibly fast, much like today’s rhino.

“The articular surfaces of uncrushed ceratopsian scapulocoracoids and forelimb joints confirm that the forelimb operated in a near-parasagittal plane with the elbows only slightly averted. The maximal running speed of even the largest ceratopsids is inferred to have significantly exceeded that of elephants and was probably broadly similar to that of rhinos.”—_{Gregory S. Paul and Per Christiansen}

Against a carnivorous predator, the speed of a Torosaurid dinosaur gait could have been added defense.  This would be a major positive, considering that there is no evidence to show any other protective mechanism than the brow horns and neck frill (shield) of Torosaurus.

Where did Torosaurus live?

Fossils have been found in the USA and in Canada, on the North American continent.  Torosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period and probably enjoyed being one of the most successful manifestations of herbivorous dinosaur species to have existed.  Fossilized remains of Torosaurus have been found in the US states of Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, South Dakota, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah.

The Discovery of Torosaurus

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Salzgitteraner1991

Torosaurus fossils have been found in Montana, South Dakota, Texas, New Mexico, Utah and Canada.  There are several Torosaurus finds which span the North American continent; however, few solid indications remain of this species.  In comparison with some dinosaurs, not many Torosaurid fossils are found.  Its cousin Triceratops has been much more abundant in findings.

The first (1891), Torosaurus latus was named by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh—found in Wyoming by John Bell Hatcher.

T. latus findings consisted of a pair of skulls with the elongated frills present.  Since then, similar specimens have been found in other North American continental areas.

Two Torosaurus species have been identified:

T. latus Marsh, 1891 (type species)

T. utahensis Gilmore, 1946

Another identification was subsequently regarded as a miss-assignment:

T. gladius Marsh, 1891 (T. latus₎

There are a myriad of variations among the physical qualities of recovered specimens, resulting in an unsure account to date of many solid characteristics for Torosaurus, other than the head and some other minimal stray parts.   Torosaurus is named for its subsequent ceratopsian finding as a “New Ceratopsian”, or “New Horned Face”.

Torosaurus—a reason for the heft

Newer information regarding the gait and movement of Torosaurus leads to the theory that this genus could have been much more like today’s modern hippopotamus than as previously believed to be somewhat more prone, like the elephant.  Like the hippo, Torosaurus probably seemed more prone than it actually was.

When the massive, possibly decorated, shield and brown horns of Torosaurus didn’t dissuade its aggressors then it is likely that Torosaurus sometimes make a quick get-a-way, either on foot or underwater.  Since we know that the modern hippo can run up to eight miles per hour while submerged beneath the water’s surface, we can imagine that this similar animal could practice the same sort of subversive defense.

Since Torosaurus existed before the bulk of the grasses sprang up in abundance, it is likely that the species spent most of its time in or near swampy areas that were in close proximity to deeper areas of swamp and of ponds or lakes.  This behavior would have help Torosaurus to maintain a lower profile, especially considering their size.

Coming soon to an amusement park near you—Dinosaurs Alive!

Dinosaurs have been thrilling youngsters and adults alike for centuries in some way—from children who have never before seen any such thing, who are first shown a prehistoric dinosaur representation, to the aware adult who is still intrigued… to the diligent scientist who does all that they can in the quest for the ultimate knowledge.

We know much more today than we did yesterday about dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals, thanks to the continued interest and study of all kinds of people.   For centuries sensible people have regarded the barely believable fossil-finds that have been uncovered over the years as first simply monstrous and then—over time— simply nature on Earth.

The Dinosaurs Alive Exhibit

Now, thanks in part to the Cedar Fair Entertainment Company and to Dinosaurs Unearthed, young and old alike can enjoy another opportunity to experience life-sized and animatronic dinosaurs—besides the movies or usual roadside kitsch that is.

Dinosaurs Unearthed is a Canadian company that exhibits dinosaurs around the world.

The “Dinosaurs Alive” exhibit can be seen at seven different parks run by Cedar Fair, LP (NYSE: FUN), including the Cedar Point headquarters location along with Dorney Park, Kings Island and Kings Dominion, plus Valleyfair, Carowinds and Canada’s Wonderland.

These are truly amazing exhibits featuring several kinds of dinosaurs and depictions of their prehistoric lifestyle.  From Albertosaurus to Yangchuanosaurus, the Cedar Point Park headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio naturally has one of the more elaborate showings; but the others don’t exactly fall behind, with shows that offer at least a half-hour of dinosaur entertainment for the most imaginative young-at-hearts.  This is about the best way to imagine what our own Jurassic Park would have at least looked like, before the attack that is.  Exhibits include hundreds to thousands of yards of foot trails and awesome prehistoric scenes taking place to witness.

Carowinds to Host Dinosaurs Alive

The newest Cedar Fair park to host a Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit is Carowinds, a 398-acre amusement park which lies between North and South Carolina, in Charlotte and Fort Mill (Cedar Fair acquired Carowinds in 2006, when it acquired Paramount Parks).   This is one way that the park celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year.  Visitors can look forward to similar dinosaur attractions as can be found at Cedar Point or other Cedar Fair parks such as Richmond, Virginia’s King’s Dominion.

Around the world people may be noticing the odd new dinosaur-head pop up over the tree line along the highways…this could be an indication that Dinosaurs Unearthed are coming soon to an amusement park or museum near you.

“In Cincinnati, Dinosaurs Unearthed exceeded our projections by 70% and ended up as the third highest visited special exhibit we have hosted over the years. Overall the exhibition is quite robust in scope and experience. “- Dave Duszynski, VP of Featured Experiences, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati, Ohio

Anyone looking for a new experience at the amusement park, taking visitors back millions of years, should look no farther than the Dinosaurs Alive attractions and exhibits across the nation.  Walk through as the dinosaurs roar and bellow as they’re triggered by your presence.  They’re moving among the trees and you just don’t know what might be next at Dinosaurs Alive!

Stygimoloch Was An Herbivorous Pachycephalosaurid

Stygimoloch, pronounced STIJ-eh-MOLL-uk, is generally regarded as a genus of large Pachycephalosaurid dinosaur, an herbivore (some regard Stygimoloch an omnivore).   The genus received its name due the fearsome appearance of its skull.  Only parts of Stygimoloch’s skull have been found to date, in Montana and Wyoming.  Stygimoloch belongs to the family Pachycephalosauridae, which were Ornithischian dinosaurs that had thick, domed and spiked skulls.

What Did Stygimoloch Look Like?

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Adventures in Librarianship

The name “Stygimoloch” signifies the mean appearance of the specimen skull.  It features three to four large spikes that are up to four inches (100 mm) long.  Stygimoloch was a large Pachycephalosar with a skull measuring 18 inches in length.

There was a lot of ornamentation at the top of the head of Stygimoloch, with such a decorated skull—though smaller and shorter than other Pachycephalosauria.  Its horns were conical, while the back corners of it triangular skull formed into large rearward spikes that were six inches long and two inches in diameter.  Even around these spikes are other spikes, smaller.  It is believed most likely that the horns and spikes were used primarily to garner effectiveness in jousting, through head-butting and flank-butting.  In this case, the horns would certainly still serve as an ornamentation that was helpful in identification and mating.

Pachycephalosauria are a thick-headed clade of dinosaurs, with domed skull-roofs that are usually several inches thick.  In others (i.e.—Stygimoloch) the skull is flatter and wedge-shaped (triangular).  It should be noted here that some scientists theorize the flatter skulls to be representative of the youngest Pachycephalosaur dinosaurs, and that as adulthood manifests, the skulls become domed with maturity.

Most Pachycephalosaur lived in the Late Cretaceous, as Stygimoloch did

Triceratops is another Late Cretaceous ornithischian dinosaur that sported orbital/ cranial horns (similar generally horny cranial appearances), making them resemble today’s horny-toads, rhinoceros and ostrich.  It was not until 1974 that Pachycephalosauria were first named as a suborder of the Order Ornithischia by Maryańska and Osmólska.

What Did Stygimoloch Eat?

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Paul Williams (Iron Ammonite)

While Stygimoloch is widely reported as an herbivore, it should be noted that some consider the genus to be omnivorous and that this idea is further supported by the Pachycephalosauria descriptions as a clade that were all bipedal and omnivorous.

A horizontal biped living during the Late Cretaceous Period, Stygimoloch could have eaten any of the angiosperms that were flourishing during the period.  These flowering plants were largely responsible for the new lush lower landscapes (eventually grasses) that Stygimoloch probably also enjoyed.  Stygimoloch may have also enjoyed the plentiful eggs found in nests as it foraged plant-life, along with the small marsupials and placental mammals.  Snails, insects—anything small enough to be easy prey—would have been easy pickings for this quick genus.

How Did Stygimoloch Move?

Stygimoloch was a bipedal ornithischian dinosaur and as such was large and powerful in the hip (pelvic) region, with relatively long legs for its size.  Its upper body was light in comparison, easing aerodynamic concerns and even though the head of Stygimoloch was long, it was relatively small and light.  Stygimoloch would have been a fast and efficient plant-eating omnivore, which could possibly have also had a powerful loping or jumping gate—much like a kangaroo today.

The appearance of Stygimoloch is thought to have been mostly due to need of its own defense due to predation, along with basic social ritual.  In times of defense, Stygimoloch was probably formidable enough, able to butt and gash the belly of any carnivorous predator, given the right angle.  If one considers the top-head view that a predatory meat-eater would have seen if an unaware Stygimoloch had never noticed its presence and looked up, then one can see how the predator may have been deterred—it was almost a camouflage, and a horny spikey one at that.

Where Did Stygimoloch Live?

Fossils of Stygimoloch are found in the Late Cretaceous Period of North America, in what are known today as the states of Montana and Wyoming.

The Discovery of Stygimoloch

Image Courtesy of Flickr User j3tdillo

Stygimoloch takes its name from the Greek translation of “demon of the River Styx”—a name which refers primarily to appearance only, and is taken from legend (The River Styx separated the Earth from Hades in Greek Mythology.)  Fossils were discovered in Hell Creek, Montana in 1983, and also in Wyoming.  Stygimoloch was named in 1983 by British paleontologist Peter M. Galton and German paleontologist Hans-Dieter Sues.

Peter Galton helped champion the theory (cladistics theory 1974) that today’s birds are derived from prehistoric dinosaurs.  He also showed that Hypsilophodon did not after all live in trees and that hadrosaur did not drag their tails but rather used them as counterbalances.

Stygimoloch, What Big Horns You Have

Although Stygimoloch had very large horns all over its bony head, it is believed to have been a largely passive herbivorous omnivore.  Any real use of its horns and bony domed skull would have been either in defense from predators or in social activities with its own species.

Stygimoloch seem to be significant in showing that during the Late Cretaceous Period, these were plant-eating creatures similar to our deer or kangaroo today in behavior and general appearance.  Stygimoloch and the like help to show the diverse and yet somehow similar nature of prehistoric times, and help us learn about our own.

Strewn Dinosaur Species and Continental Drift

It is a fairly well-known concept today that Continental Drift is responsible for the seven separate continents we have today on Earth (schools of perception vary—some claiming the existence of six or even five continents today; however, this is beside today’s topic). 

It is also fairly well-known that much of the theory behind the existence of prehistoric animal species relies on theories of Continental Drift.  It is a bigger challenge however, to help some people cross the gap of belief when it comes to dinosaurs, and so each new discovery is important to witness and study in order that our own such advanced species be better prepared—if possible—for our own future on Earth.

Image Courtesy of Flickr User The.Comedian

A recent article in the Charlotte Observer highlights just one important discovery—recently made and concerning the separate remains of two dinosaurs of the same species and within the same time period and epoch, 1000 miles apart—in Utah’s Wahweap Formation and the Campanian Two Medicine Formation in Montana.

The article covers the type species Acristavus gagslarsoni, a genus of hadrosaurine dinosaur.  What is significant is that—unlike most other (but one) genus species– A. gagslarsoni lacked the trademark ornamentation on its skull usually associated with hadrosaurine dinosaur. ..but why?

Continental Drift and Dinosaur Evolution

Mountainous eruption, changes in sea level, land bridges…all of these phenomenon had immense impact on the adaptations and survival of prehistoric animals such as the dinosaur.  Approximately 79 million years ago, mountains of the Laramide range of the Rocky Mountains were raised in the Laramide orogeny.  (Oregeny is the term used to describe the forces and events leading to severe structural deformation of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle. These are forces that occur due to the movement and engagement of tectonic plates. Response to this engagement results in the formation of long tracts of highly deformed rock—eventually, they become the mountainous mounds of rocks known as The Rockies, the Sierra Nevada or the Sierra Madres…just a few examples. )

As the new orogenic belts erupted east to west across the narrow Laramide strip, they created fragmented dinosaur habitats which were once one.   Before this, Laramidia was a prehistoric island that stretched more than 1,200 miles, from today’s Canada all the way south, down to today’s Mexico.  At one time long ago, before the mountainous eruptions that would split regions, sauropod dinosauars roamed uninhibited from north to south and back again—utilizing the entire stretch of land in genus groups of species herds.

The Significance of Dinosaur Detours Caused By Continental Drift

It is exactly these kinds of “dinosaur detours” that propagate change among genus type species, and sometimes bring about such change too quickly and can affect species endangerment due to species isolation or other change.  However, as these changes occur quite naturally—over millions of years—endangerment doesn’t have to be a problem of genus, as individual species are able to biologically endeavor to adaptation.  Adaptation is ultimately responsible for (through the allowance of) evolution itself.

After studying the fossil records, it is believed that hadrosaurs (duck-bills) developed crests and horns that varied from habitat to habitat in order to help identify each other’s species origin and encourage recognition of the same species for mating.  Most scientists believe that the hadrosaur was a traveler anyway, and moved in large herds for long distances.  When new mountains eventually inhibited the usual travel of the genus, they were restricted in ways that they weren’t before.  Lack of food and increase of predation by the new Theropod dinosaurs ultimately meant trouble for the hadrosaur.

Add to this the drift of continents into new temperate regions, with permanent (lasting millions of years) adjustments to required ambient temperatures for various animal species.  Again, these kind of changes take place naturally over long periods of time.  Where some species and an entire genus may die out, there are others somewhat similar to take their place.  It’s still understood that in order for mass extinctions to occur, there had to have been major events – like continental drift – take place that would impact many species in a relatively short amount of time.

Hypsilophodon Was A Cretaceous Ornithopod

Hypsilophodon, pronounced hip-sih-LO-fuh-don, was a prehistoric ornithopod dinosaur that lived in primarily in the Early Cretaceous period of what is today known as England.  This was a small bipedal dinosaur that for some time has been misunderstood; recent findings and analyses have changed the picture we now have of Hypsilophodon.

Quick Facts

About Hypsilophodon

Being of the order Ornithischia, Hypsilophodon comes from a line of reptilian dinosaur that began as a small bipedal running and grazing group.  The group’s strongest evolutionary attribute was its ever progressive snout with chewing mechanisms, which allowed the group to adapt to almost any feeding option.  Over time, ornithopods became one of the most successful groups of herbivores in the Cretaceous Period and they took over the North American landscape.  Ornithischian fossils have been found on all seven continents.

Image Copyright to Deviant Art Artist AshiRox

What Did Hypsilophodon Look Like?

Hypsilophodon was a small dinosaur, about waist-high to the adult human.  Its estimated weight would have been about 40—50 pounds.  The body of Hypsilophodon was built for running, and the species resembles the much larger carnivorous runners.  Its skeleton was light-weight and its posture was low and aerodynamic in nature.  Hind limbs were much longer than the forelimbs, and the tail was proportionally large to the rest of the body.  In the case of Hypsilophodon—just as other aerodynamic bipedal racers—the tail was heavy and stiff to aid balance.

The head of Hypsilophodon was small and the snout ended in a beak.  There were teeth, but it is uncertain how exactly or if they teeth were used.  The number of teeth correlates to the size of the animal found, and teeth were at rear of mouth away from the beak.  The lower jaw tends to turn up more teeth than the upper, with 16 and 11 being respective averages.  P.M Galton, in The Ornithischian Dinosaur (1974), notes that rearmost teeth were fan-shaped.

Hypsilophodon, of the Early Cretaceous, was one of those ornithischian dinosaur species that retained four-toed feet on the rear and five-fingered hands on the forelimbs, as opposed to the later 4/3 combination seen on later ornithischian dinosaurs, as they tended toward herbivorous habits.

What Did Hypsilophodon Eat?

It is believed that Hypsilophodon ate plant material primarily, with the possibility that other food sources were taken advantage of as well.  It would make sense that this genus exhibited ornithischian polyphage tendencies, especially considering the snout of Hypsilophodon, with its anterior beak and posterior teeth.  Hypsilophodon probably ate plants, small animals, insects and fungi.

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Craig T Dylke

More is being learned with time regarding Hypsilophodon, and some still believe that Hypsilophodon ate only plants, using its beak to break and scrape foliage.   As ornithischian groups developed, it is believe that they gained more teeth to aid the changing available food sources, and Hypsilophodon would have been of the first groups to see the change.  The real question is, while ornithischian dinosaurs as a group adapted well to life throughout the Cretaceous Period, how well did the ornithischian Hypsilophodon itself adapt?

How Did Hypsilophodon Move?

Hypsilophodon is regarded to be the fastest ornithischian species to have existed.  Small, light and still bipedal—the body and carriage of Hypsilophodon adapted to the grass-feeding opportunities that arose as the Cretaceous Period moved on.  Hypsilophodon was probably exhibiting quadrupedal characteristics as well as bipedal and eventually most ornithischian dinosaurs would exist as primarily quadrupedal animals.

Where Did Hypsilophodon Live?

Hypsilophodon would have called the Early (lower) Cretaceous home, and a likely predator could have been the famous Utahraptor, also found in North American lower Cretaceous layers.  Other plant-eaters beside Hypsilophodon could have been Iguanodon, Cedarosaurus, Brachiosaurus and Stenopelix.

As far as the actual habitat of Hypsilophodon, associated fossil fauna of the Hypsilophodon Bed consists only of a few scutes from a crocodylomorph (archosaur) and a turtle.   Crocodylomorphs were plentiful during the Late Jurassic—Early Cretaceous Periods and known to have existed in significant numbers as early as the Triassic Period.

The Discovery of Hypsilophodon

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Ryan Somma

Fossilized remains of Hypsilophodon were first found almost 200 years ago in 1849 (Mantell-Bowerbank block).  Hypsilophodon foxii was subsequently named, yet still misunderstood, in 1869.  Paleontologist Thomas Henry Huxley is primarily responsible for correctly taking Hypsilophodon out of the realm of Iguanodon (the original supposed origination and description of Hypsilophodon).  Subsequent to his own studies, Huxley spent 1869 in lecture to promote his finding, which were eventually published officially (1870).

*Note that this publication, which determines the origination of Hypsilophodon, is the same one which also determines that the hip bone (pubic bone) was in some such species pointed backward—“…like that of birds”. 

“High-ridge tooth” is a name that does not apply to Hypsilophodon.  When Huxley named the type species Hypsilophodon foxii, he intended that foxii represent the name of the original fossil-finder, Reverend William Fox.  Hypsilophodon is taken from the Greek hypsilophos, which means “high-crested” and refers to the back frill of a lizard.

Major Hypsilophodon related findings were the skull found by Fox (the holotype specimen) and the Mantell-Bowerbank block (the paratype specimen, a.k.a. Hypsilophodon Bed).  In the two centuries of Hypsilophodon-related fossil findings since 1849, several occasions have prompted studies to the origin of Hypsilophodon—and whether Hypsilophodon should in fact be Iguanodon.  While there is still some doubt to this day (as often happens in the prehistoric—modern world of paleontology), for now, the Hypsilophodon genus remains Hypsilophodon, the ornithopod.

“Hypsilophodon in the modern view thus simply is a basal ornithopod. Though not forming a separate branch together, such forms lasting from the late Jurassic to the end of the Cretaceous shared the common design of a small running herbivore that apparently was very successful.”

Hypsilophodon—tongue in cheek and beak

It is thought that Hypsilophodon likely gave rise to the later duck-billed dinosaur species, such as Pachycephalosaur.  Its feature of posterior teeth incorporated into its beaked snout over time lent to its herbivorous ability.  Over time, increased teeth and habits of chewing lent to the eventual development of the flattened snout feature of the duck-bills.

Caudipteryx Was a Theropod

Dubbed “tail feather”, this Theropod dinosaur lived in the Aptian age of the Late Jurassic—early Cretaceous Period, 120—136 million years ago.    Two species have been described; C. zoui (the type species discovered in 1998), and C. dongi (2000).  Caudipteryx, pronounced caw-DIP-tuh-riks, is one of the earliest bird-like dinosaurs to have existed, and exhibits prehistoric and primitive feathering that probably developed to keep the species warm over time.  This species lived during an age during which the habitable climate was changing fairly drastically, although over a long period of time.

Quick Facts

What Did Caudipteryx Look Like?

Image Courtesy of Flickr User TiffanyHoy

About the size of a turkey and resembling a peacock, Caudipteryx sported the primitive feathers of bird-like creatures that could not in fact fly.  The beak and feet of Caudipteryx were also bird-like, and in movement this species probably resembled Velociraptor.  The forelimbs of Caudipteryx were covered in symmetrical and pennaceous (contour) feathers that were 6—8 inches (15—20 centimeters) long and had vanes and barbs.  Pennaceous feather are the most specialized of all feathers.  They help form the outline of the bird, offering the streamlined and aerodynamic form necessary for flight.  They are the range of delicate, soft and small feathers to the more rigid flight feathers.  Pennaceous feathers cover the outer body, wings and tail.

Caudipteryx also had feathers on its short tail.  Due to the symmetrical feathering and relatively short arms, it is likely that this feathered creature did not fly.  As a comparison, scientists look at modern-day flightless birds which have symmetrical feathers and modern flying birds which have asymmetrical feathers.  It is believed that Caudipteryx feathers were beneficial to the prehistoric creature in retention of its own body heat.  The body of Caudipteryx was covered in a down-type feather.

What Did Caudipteryx Eat?

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Cryptonaut

Caudipteryx is thought to have been an omnivore. Its teeth were long, sharp and had deep bulbous roots that would have anchored in well for eating meat, and gastroliths are preserved in some specimens of Caudipteryx.  This would indicate at least some kind of a plant-life diet.  As in some herbivorous dinosaurs and modern birds, these gastroliths remain in the position where the animals’ gizzards would have been. 

How Did Caudipteryx Move?

The creature was probably a swift runner, considering its long legs and light body.  We know that Caudipteryx did not fly but ran on two long legs.  The first known dinosaurs to have sported feathers existed during the late Jurassic Period (Archaeopteryx and Epidendrosaurus).  However, as time moved on, the first downy feathers eventually became better suited for flight through development of stiffer and more intricately designed feathering.  Caudipteryx falls in about the middle of this progression.

Where Did Caudipteryx Live?

Caudipteryx lived from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous Periods, primarily centered in the Aptian age.  Although, remains of Caudipteryx are only recently recovered, and the Aptian age layer consists of many different formations which scientists hope will turn up more evidence of Caudipteryx and its relatives.  In addition to the Yixian Formation where Caudipteryx is found, the Aptian age consists of the Antlers Formation, the Cedar Mountain Formation, Cloverly Formation, Jiufotang, Little Atherfield and several other marked formations.  Rocks of the Aptian age underlie those of the Albian age and overlie those rocks of the Barremian Stage.

The Discovery of Caudipteryx

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Kabacchi

There have been two specimens of the fossil Caudipteryx found in Asia, in the sediment of an ancient lake bed in China’s Liaoning Province (Yixian Formation of the Sihetun area, northeastern China).  These were identified by Philip Currie, and were the first discovered.

About The Trackway at Dinosaur State Park

I have never had the opportunity to frequent the trackway at Dinosaur State Park, or anything at Dinosaur State Park for that matter. It’s on my bucket list. For today though, I’d like to take a look at some of what Dinosaur State Park has to offer for those of you who are considering headed there in the near future.

Where Is The Trackway at Dinosaur State Park

Image Courtesy of Flickr User jrandallc

Dinosaur State Park is one of the largest dinosaur track sites in North America in Rocky Hill, CT and has been designated a registered Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of Interior. Underneath a large dome, the State Park harbors a number of fossilized tracks. These tracks were discovered on August 23, 1966 when workers were excavating in order to build a state building.

Identifying the Trackway at Dinosaur State Park

Upon its discovery, the trackway at Dinosaur State Park was named Eubrontes by geologist Edward Hitchcock who made up the name. Strangely enough, there were no remains of Eubrontes in the area. Researchers seem to agree that the shape of the tracks in addition to the spacing between them identify the culprit as a Dilophosaurus or a similar smaller carnivore. The tracks in the State Park measure 10 to 16 inches in length and are spaced 3.5 to 4.5 feet apart.

The Dilophosaurus tracks aren’t the only ones to be found in the area. Close by in August of 2006, an excavator discovered more tracks on a large piece of sandstone. More information about these new dinosaur tracks can be found on the Dinosaur State Park website.

Have you ever visited the park in Connecticut? Leave a comment below and share what you thought about the trackway at Dinosaur State Park.

Paleoartistry— The Last Stand of Prehistoric Dinosaurs

The first dinosaur fossils were discovered in the early 1800s; since then, people have wondered deeply about the nature of the sometimes larger-than-life bone remnants.  Due to the absolute monstrous nature of the prehistoric finds, it wasn’t long before enthusiasts and natural artists began to speculate about the physical appearance of the live creatures.

Over time, the original keepers of such bones have endured as major sources of fascination for man, woman and child alike.  Much time and energy is invested into the enjoyment and study of dinosaurs, and some actually create some of the most beautiful and realistic representations of them based upon the finds that are uncovered over time.

Paleoartistry is a Popular Niche

Paleoartistry has developed as a popular niche world of artistry for those who are fascinated by dinosaurs and wish to communicate that fascination into each and every representative piece of work.  From the 1830 painted piece by Henry de la Beche (first known color painting of the prehistoric world) to the modern sculpture of David Krentz, dinosaur fossils are lovingly and painstakingly morphed into the artists’ visions of reality.  Over time—as scientists have come to understand more about the nature of the dinosaurs—artistic renditions have become more accurate.  Although, this is not to say they are any more or less imaginative and at the same time solid in their depictions.

Paleoartistry – Duria Antiquior

Consider the la Beche paleoart watercolor from 1830, Duria Antiquior, which features a quite colorful prehistoric landscape and scene of activity.  The work itself is based upon fossils found in Lyme Regis, and it influenced several other artists to do the same.  This work also gets credit as the first depiction to be used in marketing efforts, since the artist ordered up prints to be used in the money-raising efforts to fund his friend and professional fossil-finder Mary Anning.  Eventually the print was used for educational purposes, and therefore widely circulated in relevant circles.

Paleoartistry and Predation Themes

Of the most popular themes to behold in paleoartistry is that of predation—to capture the act of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures as they subsisted by feeding upon those in their food pyramid that they could.  La Beche considered capturing the carnivorous nature of some dinosaurs in his piece described above, and since then there have been many such depictions.

Paleoartistry and Other Themes

By the turn of the twentieth century, there were many more prints out concerning dinosaurs and their living and feeding habits.  These often went along with stories that were told which capitalized on the existence of dinosaurs and at the same time helped more people to understand what could have been possible in the world around us, had things gone differently.  Eventually, dinosaurs were destined for the land of Hollywood, where previous depictions came into play along with the most modern ideas of dinosaurs and the various ways in which they could affect the world around them.

Modern Paleoartistry

Modern paleoart runs the gamut from painting and prints to sculpture and stories, movies and even video-games.  Water-color, acrylic, clay or stone—dinosaurs continue to be discovered, studied and depicted for all to see, understand and even participate in that prehistoric world. As its popularity increases, paleoartistry unlocks doors with its creativity and helps us to further understand life as it once was.

Recent Dinosaur News Recap

If you’re serious about paleontology then you likely keep up with dinosaur news as often as possible. Unfortunately for me, due to the multiple roles that I play in my life, I sometimes find that I am falling behind in the latest headlines. Today I wanted to take a look back and recap a few of the more Recent Dinosaur News headlines.

Recent Dinosaur News Headlines

Image Courtesy of Flickr User NS Newsflash

The dracula dinosaur that had bristles and fangs was reported by Fox News in early October and features a somewhat haunting depiction of what this dinosaur could have looked like.

The eating habits of herbivores were brought to light in this NBC article on the incredible chewing power of giant plant eating dinosaurs.

The batteries of hundreds of complex teeth of the duck billed dinosaurs was discussed in this article from the LA Times. This recent research takes a closer look at the six materials that made up these grinding factories.

This article by the Huffington Post caught a lot of attention when it declared that the Jurassic Park dinosaur cloning scenario would never be possible due to DNA half life. Most in the paleontological community knew this already; however, it came as a shock to those less versed in paleontology.

For those theme park lovers out there, the news that Dinosaurs Alive would be coming to Carowinds in 2013 was a welcomed announcement. The exhibit will cover five acres and feature thirty two dinosaurs!

The Smithsonian blog also featured a great article this past month that focuses on just how dinosaurs may have slept. While the article is full of speculation it is well worded and offers a couple of facts to back up recent assumptions on how the prehistoric beasts dozed.

What Recent Dinosaur News Headlines Have Caught Your Eye Lately?

Elasmosaurus Was Not a Dinosaur

Elasmosaurus was a large marine reptile with an extremely long neck that lived in the ocean 65 million years ago.   This group is not a dinosaur group, but is reptilian and belongs to the family group Plesiosauria.  This genus had a snake-like neck and large wide body which resembled that of a turtle without its shell.

Quick Facts

What Did Elasmosaurus Look Like?

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Craig T Dylke

Of the largest plesiosauri, at several tons, Elasmosaurus had four long paddle-like flippers, an extremely long neck (the longest of any Plesiosaur) topped with a tiny head, and a short tail (typically no longer than the flippers).  Its neck accounts for half its total length.  Imagine that where human beings have seven or eight vertebrae in their necks, Elasmosaurus had 75—76 vertebrae in its neck.

Plesiosaurs alike typically had broad bodies and short tails.  Where the earliest Elasmosaurid were small, by the end of the Cretaceous Period their size had increased to a large as 46 feet (14 meters).

What Did Elasmosaurus Eat?

Elasmosaurus ate small bony fish, squid-like sea creatures, and mollusks.  Gastroliths are found with Elasmosaurus remains, so it is possible that these were used as an aid in digestion.  No one really knows if this would have been merely a side effect (of in fact using the stones for added weight in the larger bodies of ocean away from the coastlines).

Image Courtesy of Flickr User ZacharyTirrell

Elasmosaurus ate fish and other swimming animals and shell‑less cephalopods.  They had strong jaws and sharp teeth.  Some Plesiosaurs have been found with small stones in their stomachs; these may have been used to help grind up their food, or as ballast, to help them dive.

The jaws of Elasmosaurus were probably quite strong—at least enough to bite through the large egg shells of its prey.  If it is true that gastroliths were used in dietary aide and as a means of adding weight, then Elasmosaurus could have been a bottom-feeder as well.

How Did Elasmosaurus Move?

The extremely long neck of Elasmosaurus was key to its survival in the ocean.  However, in contrast to what most would think, its neck was much less about reaching up out of the sea for food, and much more for stable buoyancy while swimming in the sea.

Elasmosaurus swam slowly using its four paddle-like flippers in a manner similar to that of modern turtles. It may have been able to move a little bit on sandy shores, perhaps to lay its eggs.

Contrary to popular misconception, Elasmosaurus (as any Plesiosaur) was not capable of raising its long neck above water, unless it were near a shore and could rest its body upon land for leverage.  Primarily, Elasmosaurus would move about in the deeper waters.  It is believed that this genus would have exhibited a quite capable prowess beneath the sea, with its four flippers—a characteristic plesiosauri trait that is not exhibited by any modern animal.

Where Did Elasmosaurus Live?

This genus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period and became extinct during the K-T mass extinction approximately 65 million years ago.   The oceans were the habitat for Elasmosaurus.

During the Late Cretaceous Period when Elasmosaurus paddled the earth, the Western Interior Sea sat upon the land of what is today known as North America.  Instead of the dry, flat land that exists today in the area, during the time of Elasmosaurus it was a land of swampy marsh areas and shallow seas.  70 million years ago, Elasmosaurus swam over what is now brick and mortar home to many people.  In fact, this could by why today we find so many well-preserved dinosaur and other prehistoric animal remains.  The environment’s role in fossilization is crucial in actual preservation.  The best way to fossilize is to be covered (buried) at the bottom of a body of water where it is covered with tons of sediment.  This type of covered environment is necessary to prevent scavenging and scattering.   Over time, the sedimentary deposits at river-mouths and at the bottom of the sea build up more and more, adding needed cover and pressurization to form fossils.

Image Courtesy of Flickr User Curious Expeditions

The Discovery of Elasmosaurus

Elasmosaurus was named by paleontologist E. D. Cope in 1868 (from a fossil was found in Wyoming, USA). Other Elasmosaurus fossils have also been found in North America, in the Campanian Era Upper Cretaceous Pierre Shale of western Kansas, east of the Rocky Mountains in the Great Plains from Canada’s Pembina Valley to New Mexico.  This area was previously covered in sea-water and frequented by many prehistoric animals.

Remains of Elasmosaurus are found in the area’s fossiliferous dark-gray shale which has lines of gypsum running throughout.  The Pierre Shale is of marine origin and lied at the bottom of the Western Interior Seaway.  This area of shale is related to other marine shales that exist farther west, such as the Bearpaw Shale, Mancos Shale and the Lewis Shale, along with the Lea Park Formation in central Alberta, Canada.

In the same Pierre deposits, such discoveries as the Late Cretaceous Lamniform Shark have been found, ichthyosaur, vertebrae of Mosasaur, along with many invertebrate fossils of ammonites, corals, baculites (such as cephalopod), gastropods, shrimp, snails, sea urchins and inoceramus clams.

Elasmosaurus Gave Live Births

For years it was assumed that the smaller plesiosaurs would have been land-bound enough to have laid their eggs upon sandy beaches much like modern Reptilia.  However, scientists now realize that plesiosaur gave birth to live young.  It is believed that after birth, plesiosaur would behave as modern whales regarding parental care of birthed young.