Scientists Discovered This Massive 7,000-Pound Dinosaur Fossil With Skin Still Intact
The Daily Galaxy • • science
Key Points:
- A 66-million-year-old Edmontosaurus fossil with preserved skin, nicknamed “Medusa,” was discovered in the North Dakota Badlands by Winona State University researchers, making it one of the rarest dinosaur fossils due to its exceptional preservation of soft tissue.
- The fossil, measuring about 12 feet long and weighing over 7,000 pounds, was found in a challenging location 85 feet up a cliff, requiring careful extraction without heavy equipment due to budget and terrain constraints.
- Despite missing its head, the specimen is highly complete with an articulated spine, providing valuable insights into dinosaur biology, evolution, and appearance beyond what skeletons alone can reveal.
- Now housed at Winona State University’s Science Laboratory Center, “Medusa” will serve as a key resource for academic research, student education, and public engagement, enhancing understanding of dinosaur ecosystems and promoting hands-on learning opportunities.
- The discovery highlights the rarity of fossilized skin in large dinosaur specimens and offers a unique window into the late Cretaceous period, when Edmontosaurus lived alongside species like Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex.
