Where Did Edmontosaurus Live? Its Habitat and Range

Edmontosaurus, a large, herbivorous dinosaur, was a prominent inhabitant of ancient Earth. Often referred to as a “duck-billed” dinosaur due to its distinctive snout, this creature was one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to roam the planet. This article explores its geographical extent, specific environments, and the time period it thrived.

Geographical Footprint

Edmontosaurus was widely distributed across what is now western North America. During the Late Cretaceous Period, this region formed a distinct landmass known as Laramidia. This ancient continent was separated from eastern North America (Appalachia) by the Western Interior Seaway, an expansive shallow sea. Laramidia stretched from modern-day Alaska in the north down to Mexico and Colorado in the south.

Fossils of Edmontosaurus have been discovered across numerous modern-day states and provinces. These include Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada, and Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado in the United States. Its widespread remains indicate adaptation to diverse conditions, suggesting a significant presence along ancient coasts and coastal plains.

A Journey Through Time

Edmontosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, within the Maastrichtian age. This epoch spanned approximately 72 to 66 million years ago. The genus includes two recognized species, Edmontosaurus regalis, which appeared earlier, and Edmontosaurus annectens, which lived closer to the end of the Cretaceous.

The existence of Edmontosaurus overlapped with some of the most iconic dinosaurs, such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. It was among the last non-avian dinosaurs, living right up to the end-Cretaceous extinction event that marked the close of the Mesozoic Era. This places Edmontosaurus at a pivotal moment in Earth’s history.

Ancient Ecosystems

Within its wide geographical range, Edmontosaurus inhabited specific environments. It primarily lived in warm, humid coastal plains, riverine floodplains, and wetland areas that characterized Laramidia during the Late Cretaceous. The climate was warmer than today, providing lush vegetation.

As a large herbivore, Edmontosaurus fed on a variety of plants. Its diet likely included conifers, ferns, and flowering plants. Evidence from fossilized stomach contents and tooth wear suggests it consumed pine needles, seeds, twigs, and horsetails. Its broad, toothless beak, backed by hundreds of grinding cheek teeth, was well-suited for clipping and processing plant matter.

Unearthing the Past

Paleontologists have pieced together information about Edmontosaurus through extensive fossil discoveries. The abundance of its remains, including complete skeletons and even rare mummified specimens with preserved skin impressions, has provided insights. These finds are important for understanding its distribution and biology.

Fossil formations across western North America have yielded Edmontosaurus specimens. These include the Hell Creek Formation in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, and the Lance Formation in Wyoming and South Dakota. In Canada, the Scollard Formation in Alberta has also produced remains. Further north, the Prince Creek Formation in Alaska has revealed numerous Edmontosaurus fossils. The discovery of massive bonebeds, such as the Danek Bone Bed in Alberta and the Ruth Mason Quarry in South Dakota, indicates that Edmontosaurus likely lived in large herds.

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