LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 January Signature Natural History #5000  / 

48417

RARE DINOSAUR SKULL DOME

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:3,375.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD
RARE DINOSAUR SKULL DOME
<B>RARE DINOSAUR SKULL DOME</B></I><BR> <I>Pachycephalosaurus wyomingensis<BR>Cretaceous, Maastrichtian stage<BR>Private ranch, Hell Creek Formation, Montana</B></I><BR>This extremely rare specimen is the very top of the pachycephalosaurus skull. Any dinosaurid skull material is rare, but the bony dome of the pachycephalosaur is highly prized amongst collectors, and very rarely seen on the open market. The pachycephalosaurus was the last of the bone-headed dinosaurs, most of which were plant-eaters. Their extremely thick skull dome has caused scientists to scratch at their own domes for some time. It was undeniably excellent protection for the tiny brain, but the notion that it was also a useful battering ram, in courtship rituals or simple defense, is popularly discounted, despite the presence of bony knobs surrounding the base of the dome and covering the animal's nose; under close analysis the microscopic structure of the bone is not rigid and solid, but porous and fragile and entirely unsuited to withstanding repeated heavy impacts. The mysteriousness of why such a small brain should require such excessive cushioning no doubt adds to the allure of these rare specimens, and this fine example is a true collector's piece. Measuring 4¼ inches thick and 8¾ inches wide, with little restoration and comes raised on a discrete metal display stand.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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