An Organic Food Web Exists within the Bioapatite Inorganic Bone Surfaces of Cretaceous Dinosaurs Edmontosaurus, Triceratops and Nanotyrannus

A vibrant organic food web exists within the bioapatite inorganic bone surfaces of Cretaceous dinosaurs, including Edmontosaurus, Triceratops, and Nanotyrannus. This discovery challenges the traditional view that dinosaur bones are permineralized, revealing instead the presence of soft tissues, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. The study found that these microbial communities metabolize endogenous organics within the bone, attracting fungivorous and bacterivorous nematodes. Additionally, evidence of insect activity, such as beetle cadavers and molts, was uncovered, suggesting a complex network of feeding relationships. The research used decalcification techniques to expose these soft tissues and microorganisms, providing substantial evidence for an active food web within dinosaur bones.

Armitage, M. H. (2025). An Organic Food Web Exists within the Bioapatite Inorganic Bone Surfaces of Cretaceous Dinosaurs Edmontosaurus, Triceratops and Nanotyrannus. Microscopy and Microanalysis, 31(Supplement_1). https://doi.org/10.1093/mam/ozaf048.945