November 22, 2007 Royal Tyrrell scientists help discover earliest-known horned dinosaur in Alberta

Drumheller... Scientists at the Royal Tyrrell Museum and the Canadian Museum of Nature recently discovered a new genus of horned dinosaur (ceratopsian) that lived in southern Alberta 68 million years ago.

Found in the Horseshoe Canyon Formation in Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park in central Alberta, the newly-named Eotriceratops xerinsularis (EE-OH-TRY-SAIR-AH-TOPS ZEER-IN-SOO-LAIR-ISS), is the earliest known member of, and possible ancestor to, the well-known Triceratops group. With its large orbital horns and a solid frill, this is also the largest and distinct type of horned dinosaur known in Alberta. It is also the first identifiable dinosaur from this specific area.

“Until we found Eotriceratops, there was a significant gap in our knowledge about the dinosaurs that lived in Alberta and North America from 69 to 67 million years ago,” said Don Brinkman, Head Curator at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. “The discovery of Eotriceratops is an important step in helping us understand the history of latest Cretaceous dinosaur evolution on this continent.”

Eotriceratops xerinsularis is currently on display in the Royal Tyrrell Museum’s new gallery Ceratopsians: the Horned Herbivores. The name Eotriceratops implies that it is an early member of the Triceratops group-the species name, xerinsularis, refers to Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park, where it was collected.

Operated by Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture, the Royal Tyrrell Museum is located six kilometres northwest of Drumheller and is Canada’s only institution devoted exclusively to the science of palaeontology. For more information, visit www.tyrrellmuseum.com or call toll-free in Alberta by dialing 310-0000 then 403-823-7707. -30-

Editor’s Note: An image of the Eotriceratops skull is available at www.tprc.alberta.ca/about/media.aspx or by contacting Lisa Making at 403-823-7707. Media enquiries may be directed to: Lisa Making Royal Tyrrell Museum 403-823-7707 [email protected] Alberta Government | Ministries Listing | Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page |

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