Pre- and postmortem tyrannosaurid bite marks on the remains of Daspletosaurus (Tyrannosaurinae: Theropoda) from Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

A remarkable discovery from Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, reveals evidence of tyrannosaurid cannibalism through pre- and postmortem bite marks on a Daspletosaurus specimen. The cranium and mandible exhibit numerous premortem injuries with signs of healing, suggesting intraspecific combat. Postmortem damage to the mandible indicates late-stage carcass consumption, likely by another large tyrannosaurid, possibly a congener, providing an additional record of tyrannosaurid cannibalism. The study combines detailed morphological analysis and taphonomic context to distinguish between pre- and postmortem bites, offering insights into the behavior and ecology of these apex predators during the Late Cretaceous.

Hone, D., & Tanke, D. (2015). Pre- and postmortem tyrannosaurid bite marks on the remains of Daspletosaurus (Tyrannosaurinae: Theropoda) from Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. PeerJ, 3, e885. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.885