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A direct association between amber and dinosaur remains provides paleoecological insights.

Authors :
McKellar RC
Jones E
Engel MS
Tappert R
Wolfe AP
Muehlenbachs K
Cockx P
Koppelhus EB
Currie PJ
Source :
Scientific reports [Sci Rep] 2019 Nov 29; Vol. 9 (1), pp. 17916. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Nov 29.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

Hadrosaurian dinosaurs were abundant in the Late Cretaceous of North America, but their habitats remain poorly understood. Cretaceous amber is also relatively abundant, yet it is seldom found in direct stratigraphic association with dinosaur remains. Here we describe an unusually large amber specimen attached to a Prosaurolophus jaw, which reveals details of the contemporaneous paleoforest and entomofauna. Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy and stable isotope composition (H and C) suggest the amber formed from resins exuded by cupressaceous conifers occupying a coastal plain. An aphid within the amber belongs to Cretamyzidae, a Cretaceous family suggested to bark-feed on conifers. Distinct tooth row impressions on the amber match the hadrosaur's alveolar bone ridges, providing some insight into the taphonomic processes that brought these remains together.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2045-2322
Volume :
9
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Scientific reports
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
31784622
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-54400-x