Hadrosaurus: The "Bulky Lizard" That Became New Jersey’s Prehistoric Icon
pplpod · pplpod
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Show Notes
In this episode of pplpod, we dig into the history of Hadrosaurus foulkii, the massive herbivore that revolutionized the field of paleontology in North America. Discovered in a marl pit in Haddonfield, this specimen became the world’s first mounted dinosaur skeleton, assembled in 1868 by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and the famous scientist Joseph Leidy.
Join us as we explore why this Late Cretaceous giant—whose name translates to "bulky lizard"—was reconstructed as a biped, challenging the 19th-century view that all dinosaurs walked on four legs. We also discuss its prestigious title as the official New Jersey State Dinosaur, the unique evidence of tumors found in its fossilized vertebrae, and the enduring legacy of the Hadrosaurid family. Whether you are a fossil enthusiast or a history buff, this deep dive unearths the story behind one of the most celebrated dinosaurs in the United States.