Edmontonia Tooth Fossil

Species: Nodosaurid indet*

Age: Late Cretaceous (66 mya)

Location: Brusett, MT

Formation: Hell Creek

Size: 35/64” x 55/128” x 29/128”

Weight: 0.88 g

Item #A132

This Edmontonia tooth is in near-perfect condition, displaying prominent fluting. The four outer cusps of the tooth are displayed in great detail, while the central tooth cusps show wear from feeding. While the Edmontonia might not be the most well known dinosaur this particular species had a unique set of teeth that display just how specialized herbivorous dinosaurs were. The flutes in the teeth of the Edmontonia were specifically designed cut and mash the plants it would feed on. This Edmontia tooth is a great representation of the specialized traits dinosaurs had when they roamed the earth. No restoration or repair is necessary to this fossil.

The teeth of Edmontonia are virtually indistinguishable, and this specimen was found independently of any other identifiable material.

Species Description: Edmontonia were herbivorous, armored dinosaurs closely related to ankylosaurids. Their body plating consisted of rows of bony nodules and spines, which were covered in keratin sheaths. Unlike the club-tailed ankylosaur, nodosaurids had tapered, flexible tails.

Fun fact: The Suncor nodosaur-- the most well-preserved dinosaur found to date-- was in such excellent condition upon discovery that the keratin on the armor spikes was still intact. Using pigments extracted from its skin and scales, paleontologists were able to identify a red-and-white camouflage pattern.

*Note: This tooth is listed as “Nodosaurid indet.” as it belonged to one of two possible genuses: Edmontonia, or the recently-classified Denversaurus.