13.4" Fossil Hadrosaur (Brachylophosaurus) Dorsal Vertebra - Montana

Fossil Hadrosaur (Brachylophosaurus) Dorsal Vertebra - Montana #130194

This is a beautiful 13.4" tall Hadrosaur (Brachylophosaurus) dorsal vertebra from the Judith River Formation of Montana. While this vertebra is squished/warped from the fossilization and geologic processes, it is still in great condition. The processes, centrum and points of articulation are present on this vertebra. The most significant restoration is to the spinous process where about half way up the bone was unrecoverable. Much of this process was shattered and has been pieced back together. The centrum also underwent some breakage and in spots has gap fill restoration. The transverse processes have repaired cracks and the right process has some gap fill restoration.

The Judith River Formation is one of the most prolific sources of Late Cretaceous vertebrate fossils. At least sixteen Orders containing more than forty Genera are known from the formation. These include fish, amphibians, mammals, and insects in addition to the reptiles, avian and non-avian dinosaurs (birds). Among the more interesting specimens is Leonardo, a mummified and fossilized Brachylophosaurus. This is a Hadrosaur, a duck-billed dinosaur with amazing preservation of the soft tissues of the body. The pattern in the skin of the feet is even preserved. In addition to Leonardo, the Judith River Formation contained the remains of the theropod Hesperornis, the only known freshwater Hespernorthid, a penguin-like bird.

Includes pictured 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.