Taphonomy and paleobiological implications ofTenontosaurus-Deinonychusassociations

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Abstract
The discovery of a nearly complete skeleton of Tenontosaurus tilletti and closely associated multiple shed teeth of the dromaeosaur Deinonychus antirrhopus provides evidence that may support the often repeated suggestion that Deinonychus was a pack-hunting predator. The taphonomy of the specimen adds weight to the additional conclusion that Tenontosaurus was the specific food preference of the Deinonychus predator population. Among theropods, the only other specific animals that have been found as unmistakable food objects are Bavarisaurus in Compsognathus and Coelophysis in Coelophysis. These two could have been examples of opportunistic incidental predation or scavenging, but it appears that Deinonychus actively preyed on a deliberate food choice, Tenontosaurus.