Forensic Paleontology
and Taphonomy

Beside direct, anatomical information, palaeontologists can gain further insight on the events that killed the pachyrhinosaur herd and what happened to the carcasses before final burial. This study of changes to the bodies, and examination of their final resting position is called forensic palaeontology.

By excavating and examining every aspects of every detail of the bonebed, it is possible to discern "who did what to whom, how, and when".

This study could shed light on the composition of the herd, were there any young, old, sick or injured animals present. Tooth marks, as well as shed predator teeth are proof of meat-eaters scavenging on the bodies. The orientation - or lack of - of the bones shows the characteristics of the flood waters that carried the bodies downstream. How much of the skeletons are articulated points to the time elapsed before death and burial. Other organic material fossilized together with the bones is proof of the wider effects of the flood and can point to the general make-up of the ecosystem.

It is important to study every minute detail of the bonebed and its surroundings to understand why this pachyrhinosaur herd was here, what they were doing, how they perished and what happened after the catastrophe. Through description of the remains, taphonomy and forensic palaeontology, experts are able to piece together the full story of the Pipestone Creek Bonebed.

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