A bonebed of tritylodon (mammal relatives) found at Lake Powell gives paleontologists insight into the Jurassic period and the relatives of mammals. Andrew Milner, the paleontologist that found the bonebed containing the tritylodon said it was “by chance” that he even found the fossil. Later that morning Milner said, “I think I’ve just made the biggest discovery of my life.” to Vince Santucci who had pulled up in his boat.
On March 23, 2023, Milner had been walking back to the dig site and noticed a 1×1 slab of rock. He initially thought it was fossilized plant life but upon closer inspection he found that it was limb bones, vertebrae, ribs, and a lower jaw. “I immediately recognized the bones as tritylodonts and realized it was a very important and rare discovery,” Milner said. With this specific discovery being a very rare cluster of skeletal remains of tritylodonts, it confirms that tritylodonts were burrowing animals; it also gives us information on their evolution and young,
“This site will enhance our understanding of the youngest branch of tritylodont populations and other animals living along the shores of an oasis within a giant sand dune desert similar in appearance to the modern Sahara.” This site also had tracks with the skeletal remains which tells us a lot about how they ran, walked, etc. It can even tell us how they coexisted.
This discovery is crucial in understanding more about the Jurassic period. What makes this discovery so exciting is that of all the fossils found in this area there have only been two (including this one) fossils found with multiple specimens. Milner felt very privileged to be a part of this discovery. He described it as the “biggest discovery of his life.” He also stated that he “feels privileged to be working in some of these amazing natural landscapes, alongside so many incredible friends, colleagues, and volunteers. Without teamwork, cooperation between so many other institutions, and comradery, none of this would have happened.” This discovery has and will tell us a lot about the Jurassic period, the relatives of mammals, and evolution.