Bernissart is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1st, 2004 Bernissart had a total population of 11,453 (5,493 males and 5,960 females). The total area is 43.42 kmē which gives a population density of 263.75 inhabitants per kmē.
The Iguanodon mine
In 1878, dozens of Iguanodon skeletons were discovered in a coal mine, 322 m (1,050 ft) below the ground. Their close proximity was the first proof that some dinosaurs were herd animals, and since some were preserved in their natural positions, they also proved that at some dinosaurs were bipedal. They were mounted by Louis Dollo, and set the standard that was followed for over a century. The skeletons are currently on display at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
External links
"17. The Bernissart Iguanodons, 1884 (http://www.lhl.lib.mo.us/events_exhib/exhibit/exhibits/dino/dol1884.htm)". Linda Hall Library. Paper Dinosaurs, 1824–1969.
A total of some 30 skeletons were discovered at the Bernissart site in the late 19th century, all but one belong to the large species Iguanodon bernissartensis (Boulenger vide van Beneden, 1881), a single smaller skeleton was referred to Iguanodon mantelli (von Meyer, 1832).
The herding theory of the Bernissart animals was never really based on evidence, but more on the dramatic picture of a the complete group falling from a cliff, when fleeing from a predator.
While Dollo was clearly ahead of his time when he studied the Bernissart specimens, the research of the abundant fossils was reduced to nearly zero after he left the Museum.
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