Bernissart

Bernissart is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1, 2006, Bernissart had a total population of 11,458. The total area is 43.42 km², which gives a population density of 264 inhabitants per km². The municipality includes the village of Blaton, formerly an independent municipality.

Bernissart
Municipality
Flag
Coat of arms
Bernissart
Location in Belgium
Location of Bernissart in Hainaut
Coordinates: 50°29′N 03°39′E
CountryBelgium
CommunityFrench Community
RegionWallonia
ProvinceHainaut
ArrondissementAth
Government
 • MayorRoger Vanderstraeten
 • Governing party/iesPS
Area
 • Total43.42 km2 (16.76 sq mi)
Population
 (2018-01-01)[1]
 • Total11,868
 • Density270/km2 (710/sq mi)
Postal codes
7320-7322
Area codes069
Websitewww.bernissart.be

The Iguanodon mine

In 1878, dozens of Iguanodon skeletons were discovered in a coal mine, at a depth of 322 m (1,056 ft).[2] At the time, their proximity was considered proof that some dinosaurs were herd animals. They were mounted by Louis Dollo and set the standard that was followed for over a century. Nine of the twenty-nine skeletons are currently on display at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, and one at the Bernissart Museum. The two museums even made an error they acknowledge with humour: they displayed the skeletons "standing", suggesting that the dinosaurs were bipedal, which is not the case . Found alongside the Iguanodon skeletons were the remains of plants, fish, and other reptiles,[2] including the crocodyliform Bernissartia.[3]

  • One of the Bernissart Iguanodons on display at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

References
  1. "Wettelijke Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2018". Statbel. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  2. Norman, David B. (1985). "To Study a Dinosaur". The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs: An Original and Compelling Insight into Life in the Dinosaur Kingdom. New York: Crescent Books. pp. 24–33. ISBN 0-517-46890-5.
  3. Palmer, D. ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 100. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.


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