Paleontologists Discover Rare Dino Skull Lying in Plain Sight for Decades

Drumheller, Alberta – In a location passed over by literally thousands of dinosaur hounds, paleontologists have discovered the skull of a pachyrhinosaur dinosaur. The formal discovery was made this past Thursday and came after a research assistant pointed out the peculiar nature of a rock which had some odd bumps on it. Scientists from the University of Calgary began to excavate the site and made the startling discovery.

It is believed that pachyrhinosaurs roamed the area of modern day Alaska and Alberta some 72 million years ago. They were herbivores which weighted as much as 4 tons (8,000 lbs) and could reach a height of 6 meters (~20 feet). Their heads were noted for large bumps and horns. Due to their sheer size and horns, scientists believe that few dinosaurs could pose any physical threat to them. It is also believed that their heads served a unique purpose in mating rituals.

Besides the skull, paleontologists have found roughly 80% of the skeletal remains of this mature dinosaur. It has been five decades since the last pachyrhinosaur was partially discovered. This particular pachyrhinosaur is unique in that it is mature. Apparently, not many mature age dinosaurs of this species have been discovered. The announcement of the pachyrhinosaur skull is the culmination of months of efforts. Six tons (12,000 lbs) of rock has to be removed over a ten-day period just to get to the head. Most of the work since that time was spent carefully removing the rock encasing from the upper jaw. The lower jaw remains to be extracted.

Source:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/science/calgary-paleontologists-discover-massive-rare-dino-skull-in-drumheller/article17012078/