Stunning Fossil With Skin Uncovered From the Asteroid’s Earth-Shattering Strike

Scientists have just made a mind-blowing discovery: a fossil dating back to the day the asteroid caused the mass extinction hit the Earth 66 million years ago. Found in North Dakota, it includes the leg of a thescelosaurus, complete with skin still intact! This dino fossil is so well-preserved, that it looks better than I do after a full night’s sleep. It’s an incredible find that everyone in the science world is talking or doubting about.

A Leg Up For Dino Science

The fossil was uncovered at a hotspot for well-preserved fossils in Tanis, 2,000 miles away from where the asteroid struck. Scientists believe this fossil can actually be traced back to the day the asteroid struck. It was estimated to be about 7.5 miles wide as it hit the Gulf of Mexico. That’s approximately the size of Mount Everest! No wonder all but non-avian dinosaurs were wiped out. A study published by Nature builds on earlier evidence suggesting that the dinosaurs probably met their demise in the spring of June. It was a sad day for dino-kind and Earth’s ecosystems were forever changed. Now the thescelosaurus leg is one of the most compelling pieces of evidence scientists can link to the mass extinction event.

Dinosaur Skin Care Routine

Much like legs that haven’t seen body lotion in years, the thescelosaurus leg was found with dry scaly skin. But that’s better than most fossils out there! Before, scientists had no idea what this type of dinosaur’s skin looked like. For the first time, our understanding of the species goes skin deep. But dino skin wasn’t the only bumpy thing around? Based on impact debris surrounding the fossil, this dinosaur likely died almost instantaneously when the asteroid bumped into us with colossal force. What remains now is one of the best glimpses we have into the extinction event to date.

Not The Only Skin Walker Around

It’s not just the thescelosaurus that’s making headlines! Scientists have also found a remarkably preserved skin of a triceratops at Tanis. Just as lizard like as the leg. With every new find we set the scene of the forgotten dinosaur apocalypse during the late Cretaceous period.

A Fossil Treasure Trove

Asteroid marks the spot! Aside from the leg and skin, researchers found a whole range of fossils that were rapidly buried and preserved by the effects of the impact. They found plants,  fish, a turtle, and even a pterosaur embryo still encased in its egg! This gives us an idea of what biological life was like at the time of the impact. The dinosaur is in the details!

The Striking Truth of The Asteroid

But how do we know an alien didn’t just squash them with their spaceship? Well, one of the most telling signs linking these fossils to the asteroid strike is the presence of spherules. These are tiny glass-like particles made of molten rock. The chemical composition suggests these particles had been ejected from the impact of the asteroid and then lodged into the gills of fish found at the site. This quick burial preserved these organisms in stunning detail, giving scientists confidence that these fossils were indeed asteroid victims. Interestingly, scientists also speculate that the dinosaurs didn’t die from impact but rather from a flash flood set off by the shockwaves from the asteroid’s landing.

Roll The End Credits

The lead scientist on the Tanis site, Robert DePalma, stated that the site offers such incredible detail that it’s almost like watching the dinosaurs get wiped out at the movies. The high degree of preservation and fossil clarity meant scientists were able to put together a timeline of the event with bone-chilling accuracy. According to DePalma’s research, the 4-foot-thick Tanis deposit accumulated in a matter of hours, starting maybe 13 minutes after impact. Like an episode of an air crash investigation, it’s as if these fossils were providing minute-by-minute accounts of what happened during and after impact. If only they had seatbelts back then!

A Discovery That “Should Not Exist”

Astonished by the discovery, University of Manchester professor Phil Manning described it as “absolutely bonkers” and something he had never imagined discovering in his career. These fossils are so perfectly preserved, it’s as if they were buried yesterday. The fossils at Tanis are like something out of a paleontologist’s dream! This led many experts to dub this site one of the most significant fossil discoveries of our time. Frozen in fear and dirt, these fossils provide one of the best opportunities for the study of the last dinosaur days.

Why Some Aren’t Convinced

Some scientists question the timing of the fossils. Do they truly date back to the exact day of the asteroid impact? The study team has enlisted the services of outside consultants to inspect the specimens and verify that they’re not just kicking up dust. Despite the overwhelming evidence, a few paleontologists argue that further peer-reviewed research needs to be done before adopting the asteroid theory. Some scientists are eagerly awaiting further data, others doubt the validity of the research team itself. Personally, I just think they’re just looking for a bone to pick. 

The Ground Control Controversy 

Similarly to Trump and pineapple on pizza, Robert DePalma is a somewhat controversial figure. He keeps strict control over the specimens discovered in Tanis, unlike other experts who give fossils to institutions. He even controlled how the fossils are presented by The New Yorker! Some argue that these practices limit access to important fossils. I have to agree, considering my stance against gatekeeping knowledge. Despite this, DePalma’s work has still led to several groundbreaking discoveries in the paleontology world.

Behind The Scenes BBC Documentary

The BBC documentary, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, offers a deep dive into the discoveries at the Tanis site. Filmed over three years, it provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at the excavation process and the scientists involved. Spoiler incoming! Robert, looking every bit the Indiana Jones in his fedora and tan shirt, was actually the one who named the paleontological site Tanis. This is a nod to the fictional resting place of the Ark of the Covenant in the 1981 film: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

The Pterosaur Egg: A Rare and Precious Find

One of the rarest fossils found at Tanis is an embryo of a flying pterosaur still encased in its egg. That’s rarer than finding three extra chicken nuggets in your Happy Meal. Especially in North America! Because of its amazing preservation, scientists have a rare chance to learn more about the evolutionary history of these extinct creatures. Who knows, maybe these dinos developed tails first?

The Debate Over Timing: Does It Matter?

Scientists like Steve Brusatte, argue that even if these fossils didn’t have a front-row seat to the asteroid show, they still serve as a backstage pass to their era. The quality and diversity of the fossils make them a goldmine of information. Whether buried before or after the dinosaur rapture, I think the fossils at the Tanis site remain one of the most exciting paleontological discoveries of the century. But let us know what you think in the comments. 

In short

The fossils discovered at Tanis give us an incredible peek into a major moment in Earth’s history. As scientists keep digging and sharing their discoveries, we’re bound to learn even more about the final days. While there is still debate surrounding the timing of the finds, one has to admit Mother Nature’s preservation is truly something extraordinary.