Scientists have drawn a new image of Carnotaurus – a “bull-eating” dinosaur – with an intricate layer of scales, spines, bumps, and wrinkles.
The updated reconstruction comes after paleontologists led by Unidad Ejecutora Lillo in Argentina examined the fossilized shell in more detail.
The only known specimen of Carnotaurus, named after its horned skull, was discovered by paleontologist Jose Bonaparte in 1984 in his native Argentina.
The 26-foot-long fossil skeleton, found on a farm near Pagada Moreno, in Chubut province, has been found to be unusual, with a scaly skin covering.
This made Carnotaurus – which lived 71 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period – the first flesh-eating dinosaur to be discovered with its skin on.
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Scientists have drawn a new image of Carnotaurus – a “carnivorous bull” dinosaur – with intricate layers of scales, buttons, spines, bumps, and wrinkles.
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The updated reconstruction comes after paleontologists led by Unidad Ejecutora Lillo in Argentina examined the fossilized shell in more detail. Photo: Natural negative skin relief print on the right side of the carnotaurus anterior tail region, with close-up shot
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The only known specimen of Carnotaurus, named after its horned skull, was discovered by paleontologist Jose Bonaparte in 1984 in his native Argentina. Photo: student Guillermo Roger standing next to a newly discovered Carnotaurus skull
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Carnotaurus Stats
class: Carnotaurus sastrei
Life: 71 million years ago
Location: Argentina
Long: Around. 26 feet (8 meters)
Heavy: 1.35 ton
Important features: The thick horns above the eyes, curved forearms, and slender hind limbs likely made them run fast.
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Analysis of the Carnotaurus skin was carried out by paleontologists Christoph Hendricks of Unidad Ejecutora Lillo in Argentina and Phil Bell of the University of New England, Australia.
In contrast to previous (and more concise) studies of dinosaur skin, the duo reported finding no evidence that the scales were laid out in irregular rows, or that they changed size depending on their physical location, as seen in some modern lizards.
“Looking at the skin on the shoulders, abdomen, and tail, we found that the skin of this dinosaur was more diverse than previously thought,” said Dr. Hendricks.
He added that it consists of “large, randomly distributed conical pins surrounded by a network of small elongated, diamond or semicircular scales”.
Diamond-shaped scales are similar to those seen on the skin of contemporary tyrannosaurs.
Carnotaurus’ largest scales (typical scales) were found scattered across the creature’s chest, as well as along its tail.
According to Dr. Bell, an expert on dinosaur skin, said the large buttons and small scales seen on the Carnotaurus specimen were similar to those seen in the spiny lizards living today in the Australian outback.
Both explained that the scales were useful for helping regulate the body temperature of Carnotaurus, as is the case in modern reptiles.
Unlike many recently discovered dinosaur specimens—especially those from China—Carnotaurus was completely scaly and showed no evidence of sporting feathers.
In contrast to previous studies (and summaries) of dinosaur skin, the researchers report finding no evidence that the scales were laid out in irregular rows — or that they changed size depending on their physical location, as seen in some modern lizards. Photo: Artist’s impression of the appearance of the Karnotaurus in life
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According to Dr. Bell – a dinosaur dermatologist – the large buttons and small scales seen on the Carnotaurus specimen are similar to those seen on the devilish spiny lizard (close-up above) that lives today in the Australian outback.
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“Looking at the skin on the shoulders, abdomen, and tail, we found that the skin of this dinosaur was more diverse than previously thought,” said Dr. Hendricks. Photo: close-up of Carnotaurus scale (top row) with other types of dinosaurs
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As for the exact reason why Carnotaurus had such a wide range of scales, researchers aren’t entirely sure.
In 1997, researchers suggested that some of the dinosaur’s larger, cone-shaped scales may have provided “a certain degree of protection during confrontation.”
However, Drs Bell and Hendricks said their analysis showed that this would not do much to keep the Carnotaurus from being bitten.
Instead, they suggest, “in Carnotaurus and more broadly among dinosaurs, the different scales may have served only as display/colouring.”
The full results of this study are published in the journal chalk search.
The only known specimen of Carnotaurus was discovered by paleontologist Jose Bonaparte in 1984 on a farm near Bajada Moreno, in Chubut province. The 26-foot-tall fossil skeleton is also, unusually, preserved with sheets of scaly skin.
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