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Origins of the Dinosaurs:
Giant reptiles and amphibians ruled the tropical waterways that existed here over 200 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period. Then, new and very different animals arrived on the scene to share the environment -- small dinosaurs.
Fossil bones of an early dinosaur, Chindesaurus bryansmalli, were discovered near here in 1984, and the park immediately received worldwide attention. The fossil find was affectionately named "Gertie" after an early cartoon dinosaur. The appearance of the small creature in the fossil record may be a key to understanding the origin, evolutionary rise, and success of the dinosaurs that followed.
The Chinle Formation contains a storehouse of knowledge. Amazing varieties of plant, animal, insect, and invertebrate fossils continue to reveal new and fascinating information about the life and times of a land that was very different. |