dinosaurus vertebral

[poponpo]

Is there a way to distinguish the vertebral of theropods and ornithopods?

They the same to the untrained eye.

Edited March 24, 2023 by poponpo

[Troodon]

Very broad question since there are a lot of variations in the morphology of both.  For example,  Thescelosaurid vertebrae looks nothing like those of a Hadrosaurid and Tyrannosaurid vertebrae look nothing like Dromaeosaurid.  Theropod vertebrae are typically more pneumatic in their design with centrums often with a honeycomb structure and some may have pleurocoels, openings on their sides.   The more complete a vertebra is the better chance you have to ID it, since centrums alone can be difficult. 

 

I find that comparative methods are typically the best way to identify what you have since some can be difficult.  I keep a library of images of those from the Hell Creek Formation that aid me in identification.   Publications are my next good source and I keep a library of those but not everything is on paper. 

 

In the end you can try posting here on the forum and obtain our comments on what you have.

[poponpo]

Thank you for your reply.

I wanted to know the rough identification method, so your information was helpful.

I will post again when I want to know the detailed identification method.

thank you  .