T. rex bite marks discovered on duck-billed dinosaur fossils
72-million-year-old fossils shed light on dinosaur feeding behaviors.
1A prehistoric hunting scene
Among 3,000+ fossil bones found in Wyoming, researchers identified 12 with bite marks likely from T. rex. This discovery reveals a hunting scene from 72-66 million years ago.
2The fate of Edmontosaurus
Most bite-marked bones belonged to duck-billed Edmontosaurus annectens. These large herbivores were likely prime prey for T. rex during the Late Cretaceous period.
3Secrets in the bite marks
Researchers analyzed tooth mark spacing and shape to identify T. rex as the biter. Lack of healing signs suggests bites occurred at or after death, indicating predation or scavenging.
4Paleontological detective work
The study provides a guide for identifying tooth marks on fossils, helping distinguish them from marks caused by joint disease or erosion - crucial for accurate prehistoric behavioral studies.
5Traces of prehistoric ecosystems
Bite marks offer critical insights into dinosaur feeding behaviors and species interactions. These findings help reconstruct Late Cretaceous ecosystems with greater accuracy.
6Treasures beneath our feet
Researchers emphasize many more fossils await discovery underground. Each new find deepens our understanding of the dinosaur world and its complex food chains.
Original article: Popular Science — T. rex'in ördek gagalı dinozora ısırık izleri keşfedildi