The Crested Eagle Nose, or Aquilarhinus palimentus, is a newly identified species of primitive hadrosaurid that lived approximately 80 million years ago in Texas. This dinosaur’s distinctive features, including its unique facial structure and nasal crest, have captured the attention of paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

What is the Crested Eagle Nose?

Aquilarhinus palimentus, the Crested Eagle Nose, is a hadrosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period. Its name, which translates to “shovel-chinned eagle nose,” accurately describes the dinosaur’s most notable characteristics. The fossilized skull and partial skeleton of this creature were discovered in the 1980s at Big Bend National Park’s Aguja Formation in southwestern Texas.

Distinctive Features of the Crested Eagle Nose

Image source: Long-crested eagle By Charles J. Sharp

The Crested Eagle Nose stands out from other hadrosaurids due to its unique facial structure and nasal crest. Let’s explore these features in more detail:

Flattened, Scoop-Shaped Jaws

The most striking feature of Aquilarhinus palimentus is its jaws, which form a “W” shape, creating a wide, flattened scoop. This distinctive jaw structure likely allowed the dinosaur to shovel through loose, wet sediment to scoop up aquatic plants from the tidal marshes of an ancient delta.

Humped Nasal Crest

The Crested Eagle Nose’s nasal crest is simple, shaped like a humped nose. This feature may have served as an identifying characteristic for other members of its family or played a role in mating rituals.

Primitive Facial Structure

Compared to other hadrosaurids, Aquilarhinus palimentus has a more primitive facial structure, suggesting that hadrosaurids first arrived in the southern part of North America. This discovery supports the hypothesis that the group began in the southeastern area of the United States.

Significance of the Crested Eagle Nose Discovery

The discovery of Aquilarhinus palimentus provides valuable insights into the origins and evolution of hadrosaurids. Let’s explore the significance of this finding:

Insights into Hadrosaurid Origins

The Crested Eagle Nose’s more primitive facial structure suggests that hadrosaurids first arrived in the southern part of North America, supporting a popular hypothesis. Additionally, its existence adds to the growing theory that the group began in the southeastern area of the US.

Expanding the Hadrosaurid Family Tree

The identification of Aquilarhinus palimentus as a new genus and species expands the known diversity of hadrosaurids, contributing to our understanding of the evolutionary relationships within this group of dinosaurs.

Clues about Paleoenvironment

The Crested Eagle Nose’s adaptations, such as its scoop-shaped jaws, provide insights into the paleoenvironment in which it lived. The tidal marshes of an ancient delta likely provided the ideal habitat for this plant-eating dinosaur to thrive.

Conclusion

The discovery of the Crested Eagle Nose, or Aquilarhinus palimentus, has shed new light on the origins and evolution of hadrosaurid dinosaurs. Its unique facial structure, including the distinctive scoop-shaped jaws and humped nasal crest, set it apart from other members of its family. The significance of this finding lies in the valuable insights it provides into the early history and diversification of hadrosaurids, as well as the paleoenvironment in which they lived. As paleontological research continues, the Crested Eagle Nose promises to play a crucial role in our understanding of these fascinating plant-eating dinosaurs.

References:
– https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/new-duck-billed-dinosaur
– https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a28422178/duck-billed-dinosaur/
– https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/897580