Como Bluff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Como Bluff
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Multicolored (variegated) beds of the Morrison Formation at Como Bluff, Wyoming. Many historical dinosaur sites are located along the flanks of the bluff. The Sundance Formation is visible as the reddish beds at the base of the bluff.
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| Location | taken near Aurora Lake (a.k.a. Como Lake). |
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| Nearest city | Rock River-Medicine Bow |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001925 |
| Added to NRHP | January 18, 1973 |
Como Bluff is a long ridge in Wyoming, located between the towns of Rock River and Medicine Bow. Imagine a giant wave in the Earth's crust; Como Bluff is like that, a big fold in the rocks. This special place holds secrets from the past.
Inside these rocks, scientists have found amazing fossils. These fossils come from three main rock layers: the Sundance, the Morrison, and the Cloverly Formations. They tell us about life during the Late Jurassic period, part of the Mesozoic Era—the age of dinosaurs!
In the 1800s, paleontologists (scientists who study fossils) found many well-preserved dinosaur bones here. They also found fossils of ancient mammals, turtles, crocodiles, and fish. Because of these discoveries, Como Bluff is known as one of the most important places for finding dinosaur remains. One unique find here was the only known fossil of a dinosaur called Coelurus. Many important discoveries were made in 22 different spots along the ridge. Como Bluff is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a National Natural Landmark.
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Discovering Ancient Life
The story of how dinosaurs were found at Como Bluff is very exciting! Most of the fossils were collected by teams working for a famous paleontologist named O.C. Marsh. This happened between 1877 and 1889. Another scientist, E.D. Cope, also had teams collecting fossils here. Marsh and Cope were rivals, always trying to find more and better fossils than each other. This time was known as the "Bone Wars."
Later, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) continued digging in 1897 and 1898. They found two partial skeletons of huge, long-necked dinosaurs called sauropods. In the 1960s, the American Museum of Natural History and Yale University worked together. They reopened a famous site called Quarry 9, also known as the Mammal Quarry. More recently, paleontologist Robert Bakker has also explored the area.
Besides dinosaurs, Como Bluff is also famous for its early mammal fossils. In 1878, Marsh was thrilled when his team found a fossil from a Jurassic mammal. Soon after, Quarry 9 was discovered. This single quarry produced an incredible 250 mammal fossils! These finds greatly increased what scientists knew about Jurassic mammals.
Amazing Finds at Como Bluff
Over the years, many different types of ancient animals were found at Como Bluff. Scientists carefully dug up fossils from various quarries. Each quarry helped us learn more about the prehistoric world.
Dinosaurs of Como Bluff
Many different kinds of dinosaurs roamed this area millions of years ago. Here are some of the types found:
Meat-Eating Dinosaurs (Theropods)
- Allosaurus: A large, fierce predator, like a smaller version of T-Rex.
- Coelurus: A smaller, fast-moving dinosaur.
- Ceratosaurus: Another meat-eater with a horn on its nose.
- Ornitholestes: A small, quick hunter.
Long-Necked Dinosaurs (Sauropods)
- Apatosaurus: A huge, plant-eating dinosaur, sometimes called Brontosaurus.
- Brontosaurus: A massive, long-necked dinosaur.
- Camarasaurus: Another large, plant-eating sauropod.
- Diplodocus: Famous for its very long neck and tail.
- Barosaurus: Similar to Diplodocus, with an even longer neck.
Armored and Beaked Dinosaurs
- Stegosaurus: Known for its large back plates and spiked tail.
- Camptosaurus: A plant-eating dinosaur that could walk on two or four legs.
- Dryosaurus: A small, fast-running plant-eater.
- Othnielosaurus: Another small, plant-eating dinosaur.
Other Ancient Animals
Como Bluff wasn't just home to dinosaurs. Many other fascinating creatures lived here too!
Flying Reptiles (Pterosaurs)
- Dermodactylus: An early type of flying reptile.
Crocodiles and Turtles
- Goniopholis: An ancient crocodile relative.
- Dinochelys and Glyptops: Different types of ancient turtles.
Early Mammals
The Mammal Quarry (Reed's Quarry 9) was especially important for finding tiny, early mammals. These small creatures lived alongside the giant dinosaurs. They were often no bigger than a mouse or a rat. Their fossils helped scientists understand how mammals began to evolve.
Fish and Amphibians
Fossils of ancient fish like Ophiopsis and lungfish like Ceratodus were found. Early frogs such as Eobatrachus and salamanders also lived in this ancient environment.
Como Bluff continues to be a treasure trove of prehistoric life, helping us piece together the story of Earth's ancient past.
Images for kids
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Multicolored (variegated) beds of the Morrison Formation at Como Bluff, Wyoming. Many historical dinosaur sites are located along the flanks of the bluff. The Sundance Formation is visible as the reddish beds at the base of the bluff.
