Haplocanthosaurus sp. Tooth-Colorado

 Taxa: Haplocanthosaurus sp.

Geology: Morrison formation

Age: Jurassic

Locality: Moffat County, Colorado

Tooth fragment. No repairs or restorations.

Morrison Formation

The Morrison Formation is a widespread sequence of sedimentary rocks from the Late Jurassic period (about 155–148 million years ago) found across the western United States, from Montana to New Mexico. It is composed mainly of mudstone, sandstone, siltstone, and limestone, and is famous for its rich dinosaur fossil beds. These rocks were deposited in river floodplains, lakes, and swamps, reflecting a variety of ancient environments. The Morrison Formation is the most productive source of Jurassic dinosaur fossils in North America.

Haplocanthosaurus sp.

Haplocanthosaurus was a relatively small sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period, living about 155–150 million years ago in what is now North America. It measured around 14–15 meters (46–49 feet) long and weighed about 12–15 tons, making it smaller than many of its giant sauropod relatives. Haplocanthosaurus had a long neck, a massive body, and a long, whip-like tail, but its vertebrae were simpler and lighter than those of other sauropods, which may have allowed it to move more efficiently. It was a plant-eater, likely feeding on high vegetation, and its fossils suggest it played a significant role in shaping its ecosystem.