Dinosaur Gastroliths

These Gastroliths were found in the Jurassic of Utah along with Dinosaur remains.  These stones were swallowed by the Plant-Eaters to help grind up the fibrous plants that made up their diets, much like modern birds do.  Commonly called "Gizzard Stones" these rocks were worn smooth by the constant tumbling/grinding action taking place inside the dinosaur's digestive system.  These gastrolith stones are not typical of the native stones found in the bone bed area, lending evidence that these are truly gastroliths that were ingested by the dinosaurs in another area rather than river tumbled rocks.

Last Modified 02/02/2009

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