Journal Abstract

[Miles Constable at Edmn <ConstableM@mail.edm.ab.doe.ca>]

Hot off the press.

Norell, M., Clark, J., Demberelyin, D., Rhinchen, B., Chiappe, L., Davidson, 
A., McKenna, M., Altangerel, P., and Novacek, M. "A Theropod Dinosaur Embryo 
and the Affinities of the Flaming Cliffs Dinosaur Eggs". Science, 4 Nov. 
'94, 266, 779-782.

An embryonic skeleton of a nonavian theropod dinosaur was found preserved in 
an egg from Upper Cretaceous rocks in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia. Cranial 
features identify the embryo as a member of Oviraptoridae.  Two embryo-sized 
skulls of dromaeosaurids, similar to that of Velociraptor, were also 
recovered in the nest. The eggshell microstructure is similar to that of 
ratite birds and is of a type common in the Djadokhta Formation at the 
Flaming Cliffs (Bayn Dzak). Discovery of a nest of such eggs at the Flaming 
Cliffs in 1923, beneath the Oviraptor philoceratops holotype, suggests that 
this dinosaur may have been a brooding adult.