Paleontologist Paul Sereno from the University of Chicago has made significant discoveries regarding the duck-billed dinosaur Edmontosaurus anectens, particularly a juvenile named “Ed Junior.” His research sheds light on its anatomy, including detailed features like its hooves and pointed tail, utilizing “mummy” specimens preserved in river sand, dubbed the “mummy zone.”
Sereno’s investigation involved a historical deep dive to locate the original excavation site from 1908, aided by ranchers and archival materials. This effort helped clarify misconceptions about how dinosaur mummies differ from Egyptian ones; the mummies are more like thin clay masks rather than preserved flesh. Sereno’s findings provide valuable insights and will serve as a reference for future paleontological studies, marking a pivotal moment in understanding dinosaur mummies and their living conditions.
Despite the advancements, Sereno emphasizes there are still many discoveries to be made in paleontology, encouraging young enthusiasts to explore the field.
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