**DEFINITION:**
Dakota is a remarkably well-preserved fossilized specimen of a hadrosaur dinosaur, notable for its exceptional soft tissue preservation, including skin and possible internal organs.
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**Dakota (fossil)**
Dakota is a fossilized hadrosaur dinosaur discovered in North Dakota, United States, renowned for its extraordinary preservation. Unlike typical dinosaur fossils that primarily consist of bones, Dakota retains extensive soft tissues such as skin impressions and muscle fibers, providing rare insights into dinosaur anatomy and biology.
## Discovery and Significance
Dakota was uncovered in 1999 in the Hell Creek Formation, a Late Cretaceous geological formation known for its rich dinosaur fossils. The specimen is estimated to be around 66 million years old. Its preservation is attributed to rapid burial in an anoxic environment, which inhibited decay and scavenging.
## Preservation Details
The fossil includes not only the skeleton but also fossilized skin with visible scale patterns and traces of muscle tissue. This level of preservation allows scientists to study hadrosaur integument and musculature in unprecedented detail, contributing to understanding dinosaur physiology and appearance.
## Scientific Impact
Dakota has helped paleontologists refine reconstructions of hadrosaur dinosaurs and explore their biology beyond skeletal structure. The specimen also provides evidence supporting theories about dinosaur skin texture and coloration, influencing interpretations of dinosaur ecology and behavior.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
Dakota is a well-preserved hadrosaur fossil from North Dakota, notable for its soft tissue preservation. It offers valuable insights into dinosaur anatomy and biology.