Jurassic Park’s ferocious velociraptor was influenced by this remarkable carcass of a dinosaur auctioned for $US12.41 m. An unidentified bidder purchased the fossil for more than three times the expected amount of $US4 mill and $US6 mill.
So, according to Christie’s, the specimen comprises 126 fossilized parts, making it the most comprehensive example of Deinonychus antirrhopus yet discovered. Since its discovery at Wolf Creek – Montana, around 1964, the remains known as Hector have remained privately owned.
Self-educated paleontologists unearthed it on personal property, and it was purchased by anonymous private landowners. Paleontologist John Ostrom dubbed the creature Deinonychus antirrhopus when he spotted it in 1964. Deinonychus, which translates to “awful claw,” refers to the animals’ sharp rear claws.
Around 115 to 108 million years past, this dinosaur wandered the planet on two legs, most likely chasing fellow dinosaurs one at a time. The developmental relationship connecting birds & dinosaurs was discovered via the study of this dinosaur.
However, its portrayal in movies and popular entertainment is what has made it a household name. Jurassic Park & The Lost World, written by Michael Crichton, extensively featured dinosaurs. Velociraptor, a shorter, more closely linked dinosaur, was utilized alternatively.
The moniker velociraptor continues to be used for the monster in Steven Spielberg’s cinematic adaptations. Deinonychus antirrhopus, on the other side, was around the proportions of a turkey. Researchers are wary of the idea of private enthusiasts buying and selling dinosaur bones, fearful that they will keep samples secret.
Others believe that the great desire for samples will inspire more individuals to join the profession by allowing scientists access to private property. From 2020 through 2021, the body was on display just once in public, just at Natural History Museum in Denmark Copenhagen.
