1.7" Hypacrosaurus Dinosaur Fossil Vertebrae Two Medicine FM Montana COA

Location: Two Medicine Formation, Montana (Private Land Origin)

Weight: 2.4 Ounces

Fossil Dimensions: 1.7 Inches Long, 1.3 Inches Wide, 1.2 Inches Thick

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Hypacrosaurus Dinosaur

Hypacrosaurus, whose name means “near the highest lizard,” was a formidable hadrosaurid dinosaur of late Cretaceous North America, reaching lengths of up to nine meters. Despite its size, it shared its habitat with colossal predators like Tyrannosaurus, only about a third larger, and likely fell prey to them along with other carnivores such as Albertosaurus. Evidence of predation is preserved in fossils, including healed bite marks on Edmontosaurus bones, revealing that attacks by tyrannosaurs often occurred on living animals, not just scavenged carcasses.

These herbivores laid about twenty eggs per nest, suggesting rapid reproduction to counter high mortality rates, especially among juveniles. Smaller predators like Troodon added to the pressure, preying on hatchlings and reducing the number of individuals that survived to adulthood.

One of Hypacrosaurus’ most iconic features is its hollow cranial crest, broader and lower than that of its close relative Corythosaurus. This crest, characteristic of lambeosaurine hadrosaurs, likely served as a visual signaling structure, helping individuals distinguish between species, much like the horns and frills of ceratopsians. With its combination of size, reproductive strategy, and distinctive crest, Hypacrosaurus offers a vivid glimpse into the dynamic ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous.