Paleopilot
Hero Member
I have a theory, would like an opinion of exactly what this South Dakota river find is?
That idea was given some thought. Because of the three points, I don't see how it could be an antler fragment. It's broken away from a larger body, and seems to be the outer layer. Maybe a scapula fragment? Breast bone from a large bird? Thank you for your interest.Deer or elk antler.
That idea was given some thought. Because of the three points, I don't see how it could be an antler fragment. It's broken away from a larger body, and seems to be the outer layer. Maybe a scapula fragment? Breast bone from a large bird? Thank you for your interest.
Hello Harry, I've included some better scans, the finials of the articular processes rule out the 'antler' theory, also note the bone structure is not consistent with external bone surface, even in the 'molting' stage. I haven't ruled out avian yet. Even with the pronounced crest and curve, no species seem to match. Crocodiles this far north would be a low probability, however not impossible. Large turtle mandible? Thanks guys, I'm not giving up.I don't recognize the piece of bone.
It appears to have bilateral symmetry, therefor it is likely to be part of the axial skeleton. It doesn't appear to be any part of a skull, therefor it is from a post-cranial bone. It resembles no part of any vertebra (neural arch) that I can remember, therefor my best guess is part of chevron . . . perhaps from a large crocodilian. BUT, that is just a guess, based on weak evidence, with a fairly low probability.
Hello Harry, I've included some better scans, the finials of the articular processes rule out the 'antler' theory, also note the bone structure is not consistent with external bone surface, even in the 'molting' stage. I haven't ruled out avian yet. Even with the pronounced crest and curve, no species seem to match. Crocodiles this far north would be a low probability, however not impossible. Large turtle mandible? Thanks guys, I'm not giving up.
I recognize it now as the anterior face of the neural arch of a cervical vertebra . . . perhaps of a buffalo.It resembles no part of any vertebra (neural arch) that I can remember
Yeah...I see the arm, THAT is a big bone! I was of course using the pic as a formcomparison. My specimen would have to have come from an adolescent.Do you see the human arm on the left hand side of that photo? Look at the size.
I think we are getting closer. I am uploading a pic of a large Bison cervical, this would be the caudal end, the arch of the spinous process curves forward. If it is in fact a neck bone fragment from a Bison, that would have to have been a giant.
I recognize it now as the anterior face of the neural arch of a cervical vertebra . . . perhaps of a buffalo.