10.3" Hadrosaur (Edmontosaur) Dorsal Vertebra - Montana

Hadrosaur (Edmontosaur) Dorsal Vertebra - Montana #129425

This is a body vertebra of a Hadrosaur (Edmontosaurus) from the Hell Creek Formation of Glendive, Montana. Based off of the transverse and spinous processes, it likely came from a portion of the spine that was near the cervical vertebrae. The centrum is underwent great preservation with the majority of the damage as a result of weathering to the cortical bone along both faces and along the edges. There are repaired cracks and restoration between the centrum and vertebral arch. The anterior and posterior articular processes (points of articulation) are still intact with the only restoration at the edge of the left anterior point of articulation. The spinous process has undergone both crack repair and restoration, along with both transverse processes.

The entire vertebra measures 10.3 x 6.7 x 4". This specimen is accompanied by a custom metal display stand.

Hadrosaurs

are frequently referred to as duck-billed dinosaurs and are members of the Ornithischian family Hadrosauridae. They were fairly common herbivores that roamed Asia, Europe, and North America during the Upper Cretaceous Period. Many species of Hadrosaurs had distinctive crests on their heads, some of which had air-filled chambers that may have produced a distinct sound. These crests may have been used for both audio and visual display purposes.

Because of its age and sedimentary composition, the Hell Creek Formation has become one of the most paleontologically studied areas in the world. 158 genera of animals and 64 genera of plants are known from the formation and new discoveries are made frequently. In addition to Tyrannosaurs, Ceratopsids, and Hadrosaurs, the formation has yielded remains of amphibians, reptiles, lizards, snakes and turtles, fish and sharks, avian and non-avian dinosaurs, and mammals. The Hell Creek Formation gives the most complete understanding of the environment just before the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction.

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