Fossils on display at the Museum of the Rockies in the US show a rare sighting of dinosaur predators. This is the skull of Edmontosaurus (a member of the duck-billed dinosaur family), which has a stuck Tyrannosaurus rex tooth. The fossil was discovered in 2005 in the Hell Creek Formation in eastern Montana. Its age is estimated at 66 million years – this is the end of the age of dinosaurs.
Scientists note that bite marks on dinosaur bones are quite common. But it is possible to detect inverted teeth only in isolated cases. Research not only helps identify the participants in the battle but also reveals detailed information about it.
Therefore, this tooth most closely resembles the teeth of Tyrannosaurus rex. It was stuck in the front part of the skull – the predator had bitten the victim's face. Paleontologists did not notice any signs of healing. This means that Edmontosaurus was already dead at the time of the bite or died directly as a result of the attack.
The bite was strong enough to cause Tyrannosaurus rex's teeth to fracture. Scientists noted that this was evidence of the use of “deadly force,” PeerJ reports.
Considered one of the fiercest predators in Earth's history, the feeding habits of tyrannosaurs have been the subject of research and debate for decades. A discovery from the Hell Creek Formation provides further insight into its behavior.
It was known before Fossil 'thorn dragon' found in China. This is a dinosaur with skin covered with spikes. Presumably, they serve to protect from predators.
