Recent torrential rains in the State of Rio Grande do Sulin Brazil, brought to light an incredible paleontological discovery. An almost entire dinosaur skeleton has been unearthed, giving researchers a rare look into our planet’s ancient past. This fossil is particularly captivating thanks to its advanced age and its exceptional state of preservation.
Who are the brains behind this discovery?
It is a team led by the paleontologist Rodrigo Temp Müller of theFederal University of Santa Maria who got their hands on this treasure. These scientists had already distinguished themselves in 2019 with the discovery of another carnivorous dinosaur from the Triassic, the famous Gnathovorax cabreirai. This new find promises to further enrich our understanding of primitive dinosaurs.
A fossil worth gold
The specimen found may well be one of the oldest known dinosaurs, dating from around 233 million years. The bones were discovered near a reservoir at Sao Joao do Polesinestill in Rio Grande do Sul. This dinosaur measured approximately 2.5 meters and could belong to the family Herrerasauridae, these formidable carnivores from the Triassic.
This fossil is remarkable because it may be the second most complete Herrerasaurid skeleton ever discovered. These predators were the kings of their ecosystem before their extinction towards the end of the Triassic.
During the Triassic (from 252 million to 201 million years ago), all the continents formed a supercontinent called Pangea. This period paved the way for the future supremacy of dinosaurs during the Jurassic.
The unique geological conditions of the Triassic allowed these ancient creatures to grow and thrive, leaving us with clues today that we are only beginning to uncover thanks to new technologies in paleontology.
The vagaries of the climate: allies or enemies?
Although the rains made this extraordinary discovery possible by clearing the sedimentary layers that covered the fossils, they also pose great risks. Intense precipitation can damage or destroy these precious remains if they are not recovered quickly. At the time of this recent find, several bones had already suffered from the ravages caused by erosion due to bad weather.
Last May, Rio Grande do Sul suffered catastrophic flooding with at least 182 human victims. These tragedies show how vital it is for scientists to act quickly to protect these archaeological treasures from natural elements.
What surprises does this fossil still have in store for us?
Detailed study of the newly discovered fossil could reveal whether it is a new species or not. Rodrigo Temp Müller said: “We were surprised by this discovery.” He added: “At first it seemed like just a few isolated bones, but as we dug deeper we realized we had an almost complete skeleton.”
This find is a unique chance to bridge the evolutionary gap between these first Triassic predators and their more famous successors like the Tyrannosaurus Rex. It also highlights the continuing importance of paleontological excavations for understanding the complex evolution of life on Earth.
As we continue to explore our prehistoric past through these types of discoveries, it becomes clear that each fossil tells a fascinating story about our planet and its ancient inhabitants. This exploration enriches our collective knowledge while awakening curiosity and admiration for the incredible diversity that existed long before us.
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