An international research team has explored the eggshells of Troodon, a theropod dinosaur, using a novel carbonate analysis technique. Troodon lived approximately 75 million years ago in North America, measuring about two meters and exhibiting bird-like traits, such as hollow bones and feathers, although it could not fly. The study, led by Mattia Tagliavento and Jens Fiebig, employed dual-clumped isotope thermometry to analyze the isotopic composition of Troodon eggshells, revealing they were formed at temperatures indicative of a body temperature of around 42°C (108°F) and could cool to about 30°C (86°F), similar to modern birds.
Comparison with reptile and bird eggshells indicated that Troodon’s egg production was more akin to reptiles, suggesting it had a two-ovary reproductive system and produced only 4 to 6 eggs per nesting phase, despite communal nests containing up to 24 eggs. This behavior is reminiscent of modern ostriches. The findings not only provide insights into Troodon’s physiology and reproductive habits but also demonstrate the versatility of the dual-clumped isotope method for studying historical carbonate biomineralization.
