Skin, Eggs, and Poop: Unique Types of Dinosaur Fossils!
Above: A colorful coprolite!
Post Author - Ellis Nolan
While their bones tend to be the most show-stopping examples, the dinosaurs actually left behind many different traces of their anatomy, many of which have been crucial to scientists’ understanding of their lives. Whether you’re looking to grow your collection or just starting out, here are 5 unique types of dinosaur fossils!
1. Dinosaur Skin
Most of what is known about what dinosaurs looked like - on the outside - is from impressions of their scales and in some cases, feathers! Dinosaur skin varies greatly depending on the species, and scientists are still researching how different arrangements and sizes of scales and feathers served each animal.
2. Dinosaur Eggshell
Dinosaurs, like modern day birds and lizards, were oviparous, meaning their offspring hatch from eggs. The first dinosaur egg fossils were discovered by a Catholic priest in 1859; the priest thought they belonged to a large bird!
3. Dinosaur Poop
Everybody poops, including dinosaurs. Known as coprolites, fossilized feces are actually some of the most informative fossils scientists can get their hands on. While bones give more striking images of dinosaur physiology, fossils such as gastroliths shed light on dinosaurs’ diets and environments.
4. Dinosaur Gastrolith
Continuing the theme of dinosaur digestion, another interesting fossil find are gastroliths or “gut stones.” Many species of dinosaurs swallowed these stones to aid in digestion, as they would help break down tough plant matter in the stomach. Gastroliths are most associated with sauropods, however, they have been found among the remains of many different types of dinosaurs.
5. Dinosaur Footprint
Dinosaur footprints are another example of a fossil that can tell scientists more about these animals’ lives and habits than their bones. Footprints and tracks are essential for helping scientists learn how fast dinosaurs moved, whether they travelled in packs, and where they migrated.
While bones are always a great addition or beginning to a collection, many other types of fossils shed light on the lives of dinosaurs in evocative ways.
Want your own unique dino specimen? Check out our dinosaur collection here!
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