Hobbies And Interests

Dinosaur Fossils in Alabama

Most dinosaur fossils found in Alabama are dug out of the Alabama chalk deposits. These minerals were formed by marine deposits during the Late Cretaceous period. As a result, most fossils discovered are from this period. Alabama supported a full range of prehistoric life during this time and many different dinosaurs lived there. Four dinosaur fossils, in particular, belong to the most well-known dinosaurs of that era.
  1. Appalachiosaurus

    • Named for the area in which it was found, the Appalachiosaurus got its name in 2005. More commonly, it is known as the Alabama T-Rex. This dinosaur has longer, sturdier arms than the common Tyrannosaurus rex. The most complete skeleton found so far is that of a juvenile adult, which is 22 feet long. This animal dates to about 77 million years ago. Its remains are on display at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

    Nodosaur

    • This vegetarian, like most dinosaurs found in Alabama, also dates from the Late Cretaceous period. Nodosaurs walked on four legs and had armored plating and large spikes on their backs and tails. These dinosaurs were about 13 feet long and presumably spent most of their time feeding on ground-level plants and grasses. So far, only a few bones of the Nodosaur have been found in the Alabama chalk deposits, along with other dinosaur bones.

    Dromaeosaur

    • These dinosaurs are also commonly known as raptors, but not quite like those from "Jurassic Park." These raptors are about 9 feet long and stand on two legs. It is believed that many types of Dromaeosaurs had feathers on their bodies. They were predators, with long backwards-curving teeth and claws. Raptors also had one larger curved claw on the second toe of each foot. Scientists believe these dinosaurs also hunted in packs. Dromaeosaur fossils are on display at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

    Ornithomimid

    • Ornithomimids are also known as "bird mimics" or "Ostrich dinosaurs." They did not have feathers, but their physiology is very similar to the ostrich and other birds. Scientists use them as an example of "convergent evolution," in which different species develop similarities in response to their environment. These dinosaurs averaged about 16 feet in length and walked on two feet. They were lightly built, fast and featured toothless jaws. It's believed they ate mostly fruit and insects. Several nearly complete Ornithomimid skeletons have been found.


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