Armored Dinosaurs and the Secret of Their Last Meal

The 110-Million-Year-Old Armored Dinosaur and the Secret of Its Last Meal

In 2011, an extraordinary discovery was made by accident in Canada. The fossil of an armored dinosaur that lived 110 million years ago was found in an incredibly well-preserved condition. A thorough analysis of the fossil revealed fascinating details about its last meal before it died.

### **Discovery Details**
1. **Dinosaur Name and Characteristics**:
This dinosaur is a member of the Nodosauridae group, herbivorous dinosaurs that were protected by hard bony plates and spines on their bodies as natural "armor." The fossil was found almost intact, including a stomach section that still retains traces of internal organs.

2. **Last Meal**:
Analysis of the fossil's stomach contents revealed that the dinosaur's last meal consisted of fern leaves, stems, and branches. This suggests that this dinosaur was a selective herbivore, with a preference for certain types of plants.

3. **Fossil Age**:
The fossil dates back to the Early Cretaceous period, about 110 million years ago, making it one of the best-preserved dinosaur fossils ever found.

4. **Discovery Location**:
The fossil was discovered in a quarry in Alberta, Canada, and is now being studied at the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, one of the world’s leading paleontology museums.

5. **Fossil Uniqueness**:
The fossil is exceptionally well-preserved, including its skin and stomach contents. This provides a rare insight into the eating habits and lifestyle of herbivorous dinosaurs of the time.

6. **Scientific Significance**:
The discovery provides direct evidence of the diet of armored dinosaurs and helps scientists understand the ancient ecosystems that existed in prehistoric Canada.