Dendroolithus

†Dendroolithus is an ootaxon — a fossil egg genus — from the Late Cretaceous of Asia, defined by its branching (dendritic) eggshell crystallite structure. Attributed to sauropod dinosaurs, these eggs occur in clutch arrangements suggesting colonial or communal nesting. Studies of their porosity inform paleontologists on embryo gas exchange and incubation conditions.

Time Period

Cretaceous Late Mesozoic Era

Dendroolithus lived during the Cretaceous Late period of the Mesozoic Era, approximately 100.5 to 66.0 million years ago.

The final age of dinosaurs, featuring iconic species like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Velociraptor. Dinosaurs reached their peak diversity before the catastrophic asteroid impact at the Chicxulub crater ended the Mesozoic Era.