Summary:
A Denver museum discovered a fossilized dinosaur bone in a borehole drilled 750 feet deep for geothermal heating studies. This rare find, originating from a small, plant-eating dinosaur, is now on display at the museum. However, there will be no further excavation in the parking lot.
What This Means for You:
- Understand the significance: The discovery of a dinosaur bone in such a manner is extremely rare, with only two similar finds worldwide, making this an exciting and unique exhibit for the museum.
- Learn from experts: Paleontologists are studying the bone and its surrounding environment to gain insights into the dinosaur’s habitat and lifestyle. This may lead to a better understanding of the Cretaceous period and the ecosystem of the time.
- Appreciate local history: The find adds to the rich prehistoric collection in the Denver area and highlights the importance of preserving such valuable fossils for educational and scientific purposes.
- Support local institutions: Visiting the museum and engaging with its paleontological collections and educational programs help maintain funding and resources for future discoveries and research.
Original Post:
A Denver museum known for its dinosaur displays has made a fossil bone find closer to home than anyone ever expected, under its own parking lot. It came from a hole drilled more than 750 feet (230 meters) deep to study geothermal heating potential for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The museum is popular with dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages, and this latest find is not so visually impressive. Nevertheless, the odds of finding a dinosaur bone in the borehole were incredibly small, according to museum officials.
“Finding a dinosaur bone in a core is like hitting a hole in one from the moon. It’s like winning the Willy Wonka factory. It’s incredible, it’s super rare,” said James Hagadorn, the museum’s curator of geology. Only two similar finds have been noted in bore hole samples anywhere in the world, and this particular one is on the grounds of a dinosaur museum.
A vertebra of a smallish, plant-eating dinosaur is believed to be the source. It lived in the late Cretaceous period around 67.5 million years ago. An asteroid impact brought the long era of dinosaurs to an end around 66 million years ago, according to scientists. Fossilized vegetation was also found in the bore hole near the bone.
“This animal was living in what was probably a swampy environment that would have been heavily vegetated at the time,” said Patrick O’Connor, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Extra Information:
Learn more about the fossil and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science through these resources:
- Dino Dig Exhibition: Explore the museum’s interactive Dino Dig exhibit, providing hands-on learning experiences for visitors.
- Vertebrate Paleontology: Access the museum’s resources on Vertebrate Paleontology to delve deeper into the study of dinosaurs and fossils.
People Also Ask:
- What other fossils have been found in the Denver area?
The Denver area has a rich history of dinosaur discoveries, with portions of Tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops-type fossils previously found in the region. - Is it possible to identify the specific dinosaur species from the fossil bone?
It is challenging to determine the specific dinosaur species from this fossil alone, as it is incomplete and lacks distinguishing features. - What is the significance of finding fossilized vegetation near the dinosaur bone?
Fossilized vegetation can provide insights into the dinosaur’s habitat and lifestyle, enabling researchers to learn more about the environment in which the creature lived. - Can the public view the dinosaur borehole fossil?
Yes, the fossil is on display at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, giving visitors the opportunity to see this rare find up close.
Expert Opinion:
“This remarkable find at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science not only showcases the importance of unexpected discoveries but also highlights the value of local paleontological resources in enhancing our understanding of Earth’s ancient inhabitants and their ecosystems.”
Key Terms:
- Dinosaur bone
- Borehole
- Geothermal heating
- Denver museum
- Cretaceous period
- Fossilized vegetation
- Swampy environment
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
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