The Edmontosaurus Crest: From Ridge to Spikes

The Edmontosaurus, a large herbivorous dinosaur ⁢that ⁤roamed North‍ America during the Late Cretaceous period, ‍possessed a distinctive crest on its head. New analysis indicates this crest wasn’t a solid structure as previously thought,but transitioned‍ into⁢ a row ‌of spikes. This finding aligns with reconstructions proposed by paleontologist Jack Horner.Thes spikes were‍ remarkably similar to those found on modern chameleons, ⁣with each spike directly corresponding to‍ a vertebra beneath it.

Surprisingly Small ⁤Scales and Thin Skin

Paleontologist Paul Sereno highlighted the unexpectedly small size of Edmontosaurus scales. Moast scales measured between 1 to 4 millimeters⁢ in diameter, only growing slightly larger-up to 1 centimeter-towards the⁣ tail. Sereno noted ​that‍ even for an animal the size of an elephant, these scales are comparable in size to those found on manny lizards (Smithsonian Magazine). The team also determined the skin was incredibly thin, based on the wrinkles preserved in their fossil imagery.

Dinosaur Hooves:​ A Precursor to mammalian ⁣Feet

Perhaps the most surprising discovery relates to the Edmontosaurus‘s feet. The ​dinosaur possessed structures resembling hooves, predating their evolution in mammals. Sereno explained that a hoof is formed when the ​nail curves around the toe and wraps underneath it,creating ​a wedge-shaped structure (Science Focus).

Edmontosaurus had singular, central hooves on its ‌forelimbs, complete with a “frog”-a triangular,⁢ rubbery pad-on the underside.⁣ These forelimb hooves closely resembled those of modern horses. The hind legs, bearing the majority of the animal’s weight, featured three wedge-shaped hooves around three digits and a fleshy heel, similar to the foot structure ⁢of modern rhinoceroses (natural ⁤History ⁣Museum).