During the Mesozoic era of geologic time, from about 230 to 64 million years ago, much of what is now Montana was a coastal plain like the Mississippi delta region. When sea levels rose, the area was covered by a shallow sea; when they receeded, plants and animals repopulated the land.
Among those living creatures were dozens of species of dinosaurs, whose remains have made Montana -- the "Big Sky" state -- a popular destination for paleontologists.
The first dinosaur remains in the Western Hemisphere were discovered in Montana, as were the world's first discoveries of dinosaur eggshells, the nests of baby dinosaurs and dinosaur embryos.
Many of those discoveries were made by Jack Horner, the author of this unique natural history and field guide to Montana's dinosaurs. Each of the dinosaurs found in Montana are described in detail, along with the history of their discovery. Horner explains where dinosaur remains have been found, and where more are likely to be discovered, and offers advice for amateur dinosaur-hunters.
"Collecting dinosaur fossils is not only fun but also a great excuse to get outside, enjoy spectacular landscapes, and breathe some fresh air," Horner points out.
"In Montana, most dinosaur fossils come from areas of badlands, where erosion eats away at hillsides faster than plants can grow on them. Many people consider these badlands desolate and bleak, but paleontologists find them extraordinary and peaceful."
Illustrated with pen-and-ink drawings and photos of fossils and complemented with paintings of how dinosaur life may have appeared, this book is a valuable reference for amateur collectors, paleontologists and others interests in Montana's dinosaurs.