The "Fighting Dinosaurs" are still as sensational today as when they were found in 1972. They potentially represent one of the few dinosaur bodyfossils that show evidence of behaviour. However, whether or not these wonderfully preserved articulated skeletons were really fighting, or not is still debated.
It was fantastic to have the opportunity to see these specimens first hand. I recommend you also visit the real specimens at the Mongolian Museum of Natural History, in Ulaan Baatar. However, I realise that this is not likely to happen for most people. So I have posted a few of my photographs here.
References for the fighting dinosaurs: BARSBOLD, R., 1974, Duel of dinosaurs. Priroda 2: 81-83.
CARPENTER, K. 1998. Evidence of predatory behavior by carnivorous dinosaurs. Gaia 15: 135-144.
OSMOLSKA, H., 1993, Were the Mongolian "fighting dinosaurs really fighting? Rev. de Pal. 7: 161-162. |
