Edmontosaurus vertebra, Teeth Tendons and Bones in Sandstone Matrix- Wyoming

This 9.5-inch sandstone specimen preserves a remarkable mix of Late Cretaceous fossils in matrix. It contains Edmontosaurus teeth, a vertebra, ossified tendons, and bones from Edmontosaurus, along with a rare gar fish scale, all left in their natural position. Discovered in the Lance Formation of Wyoming, this specimen offers a vivid glimpse into the diverse ecosystem of the Late Cretaceous, frozen in stone for more than 66 million years.

The Lance Formation in Wyoming, a geological formation from the Late Cretaceous period, is known for its rich fossil content, including the remains of hadrosaurs, a group of duck-billed dinosaurs. Among the most intriguing discoveries from this region are the fossilized tendons of these hadrosaurs, which offer unique insights into the anatomy and physiology of these prehistoric creatures.

Characteristics of Fossilized Tendons: Fossilized tendons in hadrosaurs are primarily ossified tendons, which means they have undergone a process of mineralization, turning them into stone. These tendons are typically found along the spine and tail of the dinosaur. In life, these tendons would have provided support and stability to the animal's body, especially important for large, bipedal or quadrupedal creatures like hadrosaurs.