A team of palaeontologists has been excavating a massive dinosaur mass grave in Alberta, Canada, known as the “River of Death.” The site, hidden beneath the slopes of a lush forest, holds thousands of fossils of Pachyrhinosaurus, a relative of the Triceratops. Led by Professor Emily Bamforth, the dig is revealing new insights into the life and death of these prehistoric creatures.
The excavation has uncovered an enormous bone bed, stretching over a kilometre into the hillside, with up to 300 bones packed tightly in every square metre. The team has already excavated an area the size of a tennis court but expects to uncover even more fossils as the dig season progresses.
Research suggests that the Pachyrhinosaurus were migrating together in a colossal herd for hundreds of miles from the south to the north when they died. Scientists believe that a flash flood, triggered by a storm over the mountains, may have caused their demise. The animals were slow-moving and top-heavy, making them vulnerable to the powerful waters.
The discovery is shedding new light on dinosaur biology and providing valuable insights into the ancient ecosystem. Palaeontologists are studying the fossils to understand how the species grew, interacted with each other, and adapted to their environment.
As the dig continues, the team hopes to uncover more secrets about this prehistoric world. The findings will be featured in a new BBC series, “Walking With Dinosaurs,” which starts on May 25th.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0k3x8lmje1o