Scientists Unveil Rare Dinosaur ‘Mummies’ with Stunning Detail

In a groundbreaking study, scientists have revealed unprecedented details about the appearance of a long-lost dinosaur species, Edmontosaurus annectens, through the examination of remarkably preserved “mummy” fossils. Discovered in the badlands of Wyoming, these specimens offer a vivid glimpse into the lives of these creatures that roamed the Earth approximately 66 million years ago.

Published on October 12, 2023, in the journal Science, the study showcases how two well-preserved fossils from the “mummy zone” allowed researchers to reconstruct the living appearance of this large, duck-billed dinosaur. Co-author Paul Sereno, a professor of organismal biology and anatomy at the University of Chicago, expressed excitement about the findings, stating, “It’s the first time we’ve had a complete, fleshed-out view of a large dinosaur that we can really feel confident about.”

Preservation Techniques Revealed

The fossils were unearthed in the early 2000s, following a century of discoveries in a specific section of the Lance Formation, known for its exceptional fossil preservation attributed to unique geological conditions. This area, referred to as the “mummy zone,” has yielded several specimens that provide insights into dinosaur morphology.

Unlike traditional mummies, which preserve organic tissue, the Edmontosaurus specimens were encased in a thin layer of clay, a process known as clay templating. After the dinosaurs died, a flash flood buried their bodies in sediment. Bacteria formed a film over the decaying carcasses, which attracted clay particles from the surrounding sediment, forming a delicate mask that preserved their external features.

Sereno explained, “This is a mask, a template, a clay layer so thin you could blow it away. It was attracted to the outside of the carcass in a fluke event of preservation.” This unique process created a three-dimensional cast of the dinosaurs’ true surfaces, allowing scientists to study details that would otherwise be lost to time.

Insights into Dinosaur Physiology

Using modern imaging techniques, the research team was able to reconstruct the living appearance of Edmontosaurus annectens. They discovered that the dinosaur had a fleshy crest along its neck and back, which transitioned into a row of spikes along its tail. The surface of its skin was primarily covered with small, pebble-like scales, a feature that adds depth to our understanding of its physiology.

One of the most striking findings was the nature of the adult dinosaur’s hind feet, which exhibited wedge-shaped hooves. “There are so many amazing ‘firsts’ preserved in these duck-billed mummies—the earliest hooves documented in a land vertebrate, the first confirmed hooved reptile, and the first hooved four-legged animal with different forelimb and hindlimb posture,” Sereno noted.

Digital artists collaborated with researchers to create visual reconstructions of the dinosaur’s movements, depicting it walking on soft mud as it did during the late Cretaceous Period. This artistic interpretation brings the ancient creature to life, illustrating how it interacted with its environment.

As investigations into the “mummy zone” continue, Sereno and his team remain hopeful for further discoveries. Each finding not only enriches the scientific community’s understanding of dinosaur biology but also ignites public interest in the rich prehistoric past that shaped our planet.