Taphonomic history of a ‘duck-bill’ dinosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithopoda) from the Cerro del Pueblo Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Campanian) Coahuila, Mexico: Preservational and paleoecological implications

Abstract

The Cerro del Pueblo Formation in the state of Coahuila, Mexico is becoming recognized worldwide due to its abundant and diverse fossil material. While most previous paleontological work from this rock unit has been directed towards taxonomic investigation, this study is directed towards the taphonomy of a “duck-billed” dinosaur (Ornithischia: Hadrosauridae). The hadrosaur skeleton is represented by several skull bones, vertebrae and ribs, a scapula, pubis, and various appendicular elements. The following taphonomic parameters were considered: (1) bone frequency; (2) hydraulic equivalence; (3) degree of bone articulation; (4) abrasion; (5) weathering; (6) breakage; (7) tooth marks; and (8) trampling activities. The low degree of weathering and abrasion suggests that the specimen experienced a short time of subaerial exposure and underwent a short transportation distance before deposition. Burial occurred within a perimarine lagoonal environment. Furthermore, the lack of hydraulic equivalence with the rock matrix, a high degree of disarticulation and a chaotic distribution of the bones in the fossiliferous bed, suggest that it was transported as a “bloated carcass”. The finding of distinct types of tooth marks evidence some sort of predator/scavenging activities on the specimen. Finally, an almost vertical orientation of various bones and the presence of spiral fractures may indicate that these elements were trampled by other animals.