OLogy Cards > Fighting Dinosaurs

Do We Have a Winner...? 
Do scientists know which one of these fighting dinosaurs won the battle? In 1971, a Mongolian-Polish expedition discovered the fossils of two fighting dinosaurs frozen in time for over 80 million years. Scientists found a Velociraptor with its hind foot claw embedded into the neck of the Protoceratops, causing serious injury. The Protoceratops fought back and broke the Velociraptor's right arm.

Even though these enemies suffered injuries, scientists believe that they died when an avalanche of sand spilled over them. Since we can't go back in time, it is difficult for scientists to know which dinosaur was winning the battle. They do know that the carnivorous Velociraptor preyed upon dinosaurs like Protoceratops and probably started the wrestling match.

The Djadokhta Formation
The fighting Protoceratops and Velociraptor were found in red sandstone called the Djadokhta Formation in the Gobi Desert. This sandstone formation is important because many well preserved fossils have been found here.

Many dinosaurs and early mammals that died in sand avalanches, like the fighting dinosaurs, were found here. Scientists believe that the sand avalanches that ended the lives of many desert creatures were triggered by rainstorms. Scientists have also discovered dinosaurs that appear to have died while trying to dig themselves out of the sand.

While avalanches are devastating for the animals, they present a rare opportunity for paleontologists to study these well-preserved specimens even closer.