Tenontosaurus tilletti
An interactive profile of an exceptionally complete dinosaur fossil from the Early Cretaceous period.
Length
6.2 m
(20.3 ft)
Period
112 Ma
Early Cretaceous
Formation
Cloverly
Montana, USA
Completeness
>75%
Exceptionally Rare
The World of Tenontosaurus
This section provides context about the dinosaur's life and environment. Understanding its world helps appreciate the significance of this fossil find.
A Formidable Herbivore
*Tenontosaurus tilletti* was a medium-sized ornithopod dinosaur, part of the iguanodontian family. Its name means "sinew lizard," referring to the network of tough tendons that stiffened its remarkably long tail. This feature likely provided balance for running and could have been used as a powerful defensive weapon against predators. Its strong limbs suggest it was adaptable to different types of movement.
A Dangerous Neighborhood
This fossil was found in Montana's Cloverly Formation, a region famous for yielding remains of the apex predator *Deinonychus*. The two species are often found together, leading paleontologists to believe they engaged in fierce conflicts. The powerful build of *Tenontosaurus* suggests it was well-equipped to defend itself, possibly even delivering fatal blows to its attackers.
A Profile of Excellence
This specimen is one of fewer than 80 known and stands out for its remarkable completeness and unique preservation. Explore the data below to see what makes this find so scientifically valuable.
Exceptional Completeness
With over 75% of its bones recovered, this skeleton is one of the most complete *Tenontosaurus* specimens ever found. The chart illustrates the ratio of original fossil material to the restored parts. This high degree of completeness provides invaluable data for researchers studying its anatomy and biomechanics.
Unique Coloration
While most fossils from this region are brown, this specimen exhibits a rare and beautiful light gray to metallic coloration with patches of red and burgundy oxidation. This unique preservation not only makes it visually stunning but also provides clues about the specific geological conditions in which it was fossilized.
Hover over the chart for details.
From Field to Display
The journey of a fossil from discovery to museum display is a long and meticulous process. This interactive timeline highlights the key milestones for this *Tenontosaurus* specimen. Click on each year to learn more.
2017
2022
2024
Select a year on the timeline to see the details of the journey.
Interactive Anatomy
Explore the key anatomical features of *Tenontosaurus tilletti*. Click the hotspots on the diagram to learn about the functions and significance of different parts of the skeleton.
Full skeleton diagram representation
Explore the Skeleton
Click a numbered hotspot on the diagram to learn about a specific feature.
