Officials have announced the discovery of rare dinosaur fossils in a “bone bed” at Maryland’s Dinosaur Park. This remarkable find includes the largest theropod fossil in eastern North America and marks the first bone bed discovered in Maryland since 1887. A bone bed refers to a concentrated area where bones from one or more species are found in a single geologic layer.
Paleontologists from the Smithsonian and volunteers at Dinosaur Park came across this significant discovery earlier this year. Dinosaur fossils are exceptionally rare in the eastern United States, making this find even more remarkable. The bone bed was uncovered during a dig experience offered to the public, allowing them to participate in the exciting world of paleontology. This unique opportunity took place on April 22.
During the dig, paleontologist JP Hodnett identified a large theropod fossil, a 3-foot-long shin bone. The fossil was classified as belonging to the theropod branch of dinosaur species, which includes carnivores like the Tyrannosaurus rex. Hodnett hypothesized that the fossil came from an Acrocanthosaurus, the largest theropod in the Early Cretaceous period, estimated to be 38 feet long. The time period of the fossil aligns with others found at Dinosaur Park, which typically date back 145 to 100 million years ago.
Finding a bone bed like this is a dream for paleontologists as it offers valuable insights into ancient environments and extinct animals. Hodnett explains that it provides more information on previously unknown species that were only known from a few specimens. Paleontologist Thomas Holtz from the University of Maryland states that the dinosaur dig site is historically significant as it sheds light on the diversity of animals and plants during a critical period in Earth’s history.
Numerous other fossils were uncovered in the bone bed at Dinosaur Park, including a 4-foot limb bone encased in ironstone. While the specific identity of this large dinosaur is still unknown, experts believe it belonged to a sizable species. Additional findings include parts of a large armored dinosaur called a Priconodon, a long-necked plant-eating dinosaur known as a Suropod measuring an estimated 60 to 70 feet long, a small tyrannosaur tooth, and the oldest stingray fossil ever found in North America.
Once excavated, the fossils will undergo the necessary cleaning, examination, and cataloguing processes in the museum system managed by Prince George’s County Parks and Recreation. This discovery is of great significance and provides invaluable information about the ancient world and its inhabitants.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
