In North Dakota , paleontologists have discovered a rare and precious specimen: a part of the dinosaur's body is as intact as a mummy, thanks to the crocodile.
According to Live Science, specimens with "glitter" skin and other soft tissues are preserved very well. This is invaluable to paleontologists as it makes a significant contribution to helping rebuild the appearance of dinosaurs. Most of the dinosaur fossil specimens excavated before
are just bones, because it is impossible to preserve soft tissues such as skin and muscles for tens of millions of years.
famous dinosaur mummy (Part 2) and whole body reconstruction of animals, mummy part of the forelimbs
One of the co-principal authors of the study, Dr. Stephanie Drumheller of the University of Tennessee of Knoxville, USA, said that there is a theory that Jurassic and Cretaceous animals must first be mummified if they want to be mummified. Burial, like something suddenly falling, quickly seals the animal inside.
However, this specimen was pickled in a completely different way.
According to " Science and Technology Daily ", this Edmontonian species belonging to the docile duck-billed dinosaur group was attacked by a huge ancient crocodile. According to the results of a thorough examination, the remains of the body were filled with wounds caused by collisions.
It is these wounds combined with the favorable surroundings that create an opening for liquid to penetrate the skin of the species too thick, helping to absorb moisture and dry the body perfectly.
The mummy's dry and drying method may be related to the substances in the environment where it is buried; or it accidentally lies on a dry and hot beach, and under the scorching sun, it becomes the perfect "dinosaur dry".
This dinosaur mummy is not new, but has been unearthed at a farm in southwestern North Dakota since 1999, which is obscured by many theories.
Drumheller Dr. and colleagues discovered it in the museum and decided to solve this ancient mystery.
Although many years have passed, this type of specimens always has unparalleled scientific value, especially after modern means have allowed them to be studied in more and more detailed without any invasive procedures.
This study has just been published in the scientific journal PLOS One.
