Oldest Dome-Headed Dinosaur Revealed by ‘Shockingly Beautiful’ Fossil

The fossil discovery of an exceptionally well-preserved pachycephalosaur in Mongolia has provided new insights into the evolution of these dome-headed dinosaurs. The specimen, estimated to be around 75 million years old, is the most complete fossil of a pachycephalosaur found to date. Pachycephalosaurs were herbivorous dinosaurs believed to have used their thick, domed skulls for head-butting behaviors, similar to modern-day rams and goats. The newly discovered fossil, described as "shockingly beautiful," reveals intricate details of the dinosaur's anatomy, including its bony skull dome, teeth, and even the outlines of its skin. The study of this exceptional fossil has enabled researchers to better understand the adaptations and behaviors of these unique dinosaurs. The findings provide valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of the pachycephalosaur group, which thrived during the late Cretaceous period.