Claggett Shale facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Claggett ShaleStratigraphic range: Late Cretaceous, Campanian |
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|---|---|
| Type | Geological formation |
| Underlies | Judith River Formation |
| Location | |
| Region | North America |
The Claggett Shale is a special type of rock layer found in Montana, USA. It was formed during the Late Cretaceous period, which was a very long time ago when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Scientists have found dinosaur fossils and other ancient animal remains in the Claggett Shale.
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What is the Claggett Shale?
The Claggett Shale is a geological formation. This means it is a specific set of rocks that were laid down at a certain time in Earth's history. These rocks are mostly made of shale, which is a type of rock formed from mud and clay.
When did the Claggett Shale form?
The Claggett Shale dates back to the Late Cretaceous period. This was about 83 to 72 million years ago. During this time, the area that is now Montana was very different. It was covered by a large inland sea.
What was the world like during the Late Cretaceous?
The Late Cretaceous was the last part of the Cretaceous Period. It was a time when many different kinds of dinosaurs lived. The climate was generally warm, and there were many plants. The Claggett Shale formed in a marine environment, meaning it was under water.
What fossils are found in the Claggett Shale?
Scientists have found fossils of ancient animals in the Claggett Shale. These fossils help us understand what life was like millions of years ago.
What kinds of animals lived there?
The Claggett Shale is known for its vertebrate fossils. Vertebrates are animals with backbones. Some of the fossils found include:
- Hesperornis: This was a type of ancient diving bird. It lived in the water and had teeth, which is unusual for birds today.
- cf. Maiasaura: This might be a type of Maiasaura, which was a large, plant-eating dinosaur. It is known for its nesting colonies.
- Tyrannosauridae indet.: This means that some bones from a tyrannosaur have been found. Tyrannosaurs were large, meat-eating dinosaurs, like the famous Tyrannosaurus rex.
Why are these fossils important?
Finding these fossils helps scientists learn about ancient ecosystems. They can figure out what animals lived together and how they interacted. The Claggett Shale gives us clues about life in Montana during the Late Cretaceous period.
