New ‘Burrowing’ Dinosaur Species Discovered in Utah

By: Sam Watanuki | Published: Jul 11, 2024

Fona herzogae, a newly discovered dinosaur species, lived around 99 million years ago in what is now Utah.

This small, plant-eating dinosaur was roughly the size of a large dog and exhibited unique adaptations for underground living, such as large biceps muscles and fused pelvic bones.

Key Features of Fona herzogae

Fona herzogae had several distinguishing characteristics: strong muscle attachment points on the hips and legs, and hind limbs that were larger than the forelimbs.

Advertisement
artist illustration of Fona herzogae

Source: JORGE GONZALEZ/NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

These features are common in animals that dig and burrow, suggesting that F. herzogae spent significant time underground.

A Colorful, Downy Coat

Scientists believe F. herzogae sported a vibrant coat of downy feathers, acting like a natural camouflage and providing insulation.

Advertisement
A close-up of an archeological dig site with fossils in the dirt.

Source: Grianghraf/Unsplash

Such feathered dinosaurs are not uncommon, but finding one adapted for burrowing is rare.

Discovery in the Mussentuchit Member

Researchers from North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences discovered F. herzogae in Utah’s Cedar Mountain geological formation.

Advertisement

Source: Utah.com

This area, known as the Mussentuchit Member, was a wet floodplain nestled between a vast inland ocean and volcanic mountains.

Exceptional Fossil Preservation

The fossils of F. herzogae are remarkably well-preserved, often found in their original death pose.

Advertisement
A large rock which contains several fossils

Source: Wikimedia

This exceptional preservation suggests that the dinosaurs were underground in burrows before their death, protecting their remains from scavengers and environmental decay.

Living in Small Groups

The fossils have been found in small clusters, indicating that F. herzogae lived in groups.

Advertisement
Tools of an archeological dig at the Grand Canyon National Park.

Source: Grand Canyon National Park/Wikimedia Commons

This social behavior is another clue pointing towards their burrowing lifestyle, as living in close-knit groups underground could offer protection and support.

Advertisement

A Floodplain Ecosystem

Around 99 million years ago, the Mussentuchit Member was part of a large floodplain ecosystem with several rivers running through it.

Advertisement
An image taken of the vast South Pacific Ocean

Source: Wikimedia

The landscape was wet and muddy, providing a suitable environment for a burrowing dinosaur like F. herzogae.

Advertisement

Bias in the Fossil Record

Haviv Avrahami, the study’s first author, noted that the fossil record often favors larger animals.

Advertisement
Close-up photograph of a dinosaur skull and other fossilized bones

Source: iStock

However, the discovery of F. herzogae remains with many bones preserved in good condition, indicates that these dinosaurs lived underground, where their remains were less likely to scatter or rot.

Advertisement

Further Evidence of Burrowing

Although no burrows made by F. herzogae have been found, similar burrows of its closest relative, Oryctodromeus, have been documented in Idaho and Montana.

Advertisement
A close-up of archeological tools lying on rocks and dirt.

Source: Jumbuk73/Pixabay

This further supports the idea that F. herzogae was a burrowing species.

Advertisement

Insights into Dinosaur Diversity

Lindsay Zanno, a study author, highlighted that this discovery broadens our understanding of dinosaur diversity.

Advertisement
A photograph of a dinosaur skeleton

Source: Wikimedia

Dinosaurs occupied a wide range of ecological niches, from arboreal gliders to subterranean shelterers, challenging the “myopic view” of dinosaurs as only large, surface-dwelling creatures.

Advertisement

Expanding Knowledge of the Cretaceous Period

The discovery of F. herzogae adds to our knowledge of Cretaceous ecosystems, showcasing the adaptability and diversity of dinosaurs.

Advertisement
Illustration of the earth when dinosaurs roamed

Source: Shutterstock

It reveals that even small, plant-eating dinosaurs had unique adaptations that allowed them to thrive in various environments, including underground.

Advertisement

A Step Forward in Paleontology

The study of F. herzogae is a significant step forward in paleontology, offering new insights into the behavior and lifestyle of dinosaurs.

Advertisement
The asteroid that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago crashes into the distance. Birds and clouds surround it.

Donald E. Davis/Wikimedia Commons

This discovery underscores the importance of continuous exploration and research in uncovering the secrets of Earth’s ancient past.

Advertisement