When you picture dinosaur fossils, you might envision a parched desert or rugged terrain. Yet, one of the richest dinosaur graveyards in the world lies hidden in an unexpectedly serene forest in northern Alberta, Canada.
This site is known as the Pipestone Creek bone bed, home to tens of thousands of bones from Pachyrhinosaurus.
The mystery surrounding the simultaneous demise of many of these creatures is explored in a new episode of Walking with the Dinosaurs. This landmark BBC series returns to screens after more than two decades.
We spoke with Professor Emily Bamforth, a paleontologist and curator at the Philip J. Curry Dinosaur Museum in Alberta. Her research on Pachyrhinosaurus is featured in the new series, employing advanced technology to uncover what transpired during the catastrophic event that decimated the herd.
Dinosaur with a Boss
Pachyrhinosaurus may not be a well-known name—yet—it is among the most distinctive members of the Ceratopsian family, which includes the more familiar Triceratops.
“They are like their smaller, older cousins,” Bamforth explains. “Instead of having prominent horns on their noses like Triceratops, they possessed a large mass of bone known as the ‘boss’. They are the only horned dinosaurs with this feature.”
To date, three species of Pachyrhinosaurus have been identified, all originating from northern latitudes like Alaska and Canada.
These dinosaurs could grow over 6 meters (20 feet) in length and weigh more than two tons, traversing vast distances in massive herds. Bamforth likens their movement to that of modern-day caribou, albeit on a much grander scale.
The fossil beds they left behind are enormous.
“Over 10,000 individuals are preserved here,” Bamforth states. “It’s one of the densest bone beds in North America, with 100-300 bones per square meter. The site covers a hill of at least one square kilometer. It’s a significant and very thick bone bed, making it incredibly valuable for research.”
The Mystery of the Mud
Given such high fossil concentrations, one question arises: How did so many dinosaurs die in one location at the same time?
“The tale of this particular herd of Pachyrhinosaurus is ultimately a tragic one,” Bamforth notes. “They all perished simultaneously due to some catastrophic event.”
This massive death occurred around 72 million years ago—well before the asteroid impact widely known for the extinction of the dinosaurs.
“I suspect it was a devastating flood event,” Bamforth posits. “Possibly from monsoon rains in nearby mountains or inland hurricane-like storms that caused massive flash floods similar to those witnessed today.”
While a disaster befell the dinosaurs, it became a scientific treasure trove. The rapid burial provided a snapshot of a remarkably intact herd, comprising individuals of varying ages.
Interestingly, it wasn’t just paleontologists who had the upper hand. “There’s evidence that theropods like Albertosaurus, along with smaller predatory birds, scavenged the remains after the flood,” Bamforth adds.
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Lessons from the Pipestone Creek Bonebed
Finding a dinosaur skeleton is rare enough. Discovering thousands in a single layer? That’s virtually unheard of. This presents scientists a unique opportunity to tackle inquiries that are usually impossible in dinosaur paleontology.
“Typically, we uncover one or two dinosaurs, or, if lucky, perhaps a dozen,” Bamforth explains. “However, the vast quantities of fossils from a single herd at Pipestone Creek provide a rare insight into intraspecies variation—the natural differences among individuals of the same species.”
Just as no two people are identical, Pachyrhinosaurus exhibited variations in size, decoration, and behavior. Bamforth and her team are particularly focused on the frills embellishing the skulls, which vary slightly among individuals.
“We are starting to understand almost everything about Pachyrhinosaurus,” she elaborates.
The bosses on their nasal bones were also distinct. Whether these served purposes in combat, attracting mates, recognizing individuals, or a combination of these functions remains under investigation.
Fast Forward Field
Since the original airing of Walking with the Dinosaurs in 1999, paleontology has evolved significantly, with Pipestone Creek serving as just one of many glimpses into the world of prehistoric life.
“Previously, the focus was primarily on discovering and cataloging dinosaurs,” Bamforth reflects. “Now, we delve into understanding their relationships with the environment they inhabited.”
This shift has been propelled by technological advancements as well as heightened public fascination. “Dinosaurs are more popular than ever, which is driving the field of paleontology at an extraordinary pace,” Bamforth asserts.
If Pipestone Creek demonstrates anything, it’s that dinosaurs still harbor many secrets even after 72 million years.
About Our Experts
Emily Bamforth is a paleontologist and curator at the Philip J. Curry Dinosaur Museum in Alberta, Canada. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Alberta.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com