Rare Dinosaur Skull to Go on Display at Smithsonian | South Dakota Find

Rare Pachycephalosaurus Skull to Go on Display at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History

A remarkably well-preserved Pachycephalosaurus skull,unearthed in South Dakota,will soon be unveiled to the public at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. The fossil, discovered in the Hell Creek Formation in 2024, represents a important addition to the museum’s dinosaur collection and offers an unprecedented glimpse into the life of this “thick-headed lizard.”

The Pachycephalosaurus, which roamed the earth approximately 67 million years ago, is known for it’s distinctive domed skull. According to a statement released by the museum, this specimen is extraordinary due to its completeness.”This skull is by far the most breathtaking specimen of this type of dinosaur that we have at the museum,” explained a leading paleontologist and the museum’s curator of dinosauria. “We almost never get to see the animal’s face or the teeth or other parts of the head because they usually have broken away.”

The fossil boasts 32 cranial bones and numerous teeth, some of which were still developing within the jaw at the time of the dinosaur’s death. This level of preservation provides invaluable insights into the anatomy and potential behavior of the species. One paleontologist described the animal as having eyes that “blink” and making “snarfling noises with its nose,” suggesting a level of sensory complexity previously unknown. Brain development, the paleontologist added, was estimated to be comparable to that of a modern alligator or emu.

Did you know? – Pachycephalosaurus means “thick-headed lizard.” The dinosaur’s dome-shaped skull could have been used for head-butting, though scientists debate this theory. Other possibilities include display or species recognition.

Finding a Pachycephalosaurus fossil in the Hell Creek Formation is exceedingly rare, as these bones comprise less than 1% of all fossils discovered in the area. This rarity underscores the significance of the find.

The unusual fossil was acquired earlier this year at a Sotheby’s Natural History auction thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Wendy Schmidt and Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google. The Schmidts not only purchased the fossil but also gifted it to the smithsonian, along with a ample donation to support the digitization of the National Fossil Collection.

“When we see an ancient fossil like this one, we are confronted with the story of our planet’s past and can consider how humans fit into Earth’s geologic history in a profoundly different way,” Wendy Schmidt stated. She further explained that the donation and fossil acquisition are part of a larger effort to increase access to scientific research.

Pro tip: – The Hell Creek Formation in South Dakota is renowned for its rich fossil deposits, dating back to the late Cretaceous period. It’s a prime location for paleontological discoveries, including tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view the Pachycephalosaurus skull temporarily in the museum’s FossiLab, within the “David H. Koch Hall of Fossils-Deep Time” exhibit, from December 22 to 28. the museum will be closed on Christmas Day. The Smithsonian plans to incorporate the fossil into its permanent collection in the coming years, ensuring its continued availability for research and public gratitude.

Reader question: – What other behaviors, beyond head-butting, might have driven the evolution of the Pachycephalosaurus’ unique skull? Share your thoughts!

Why: The Smithsonian acquired a remarkably well-preserved Pachycephalosaurus skull to add to its dinosaur collection and provide new insights into the species.
Who: The fossil was discovered in South Dakota in 2024 and acquired by the Smithsonian through a gift from Wendy and Eric Schmidt. Paleontologists at the smithsonian are studying the fossil.
What: A nearly complete Pachycephalosaurus skull, boasting 3