Argentine Scientists Unearth Speedy 90-Million-Year-Old Herbivore Dinosaur

"Argentine Scientists Discover Remarkable 90-Million-Year-Old Herbivore Dinosaur. In a groundbreaking find, Argentine paleontologists unearth a previously unknown species of swift-moving herbivore dinosaur. Believed to have roamed South America during the Late Cretaceous period, this discovery sheds new light on the diversity and behavior of prehistoric creatures. The finding underscores Argentina's rich paleontological heritage and its ongoing contributions to our understanding of ancient life."

Paleontologists in Argentina have made an exciting discovery, unveiling a new species of medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur known as Chakisaurus nekul. This swift-running creature roamed the earth approximately 90 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period, calling the Patagonia region of present-day Argentina its home.

The fossilized remains of Chakisaurus nekul were unearthed in the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, situated in the southern province of Río Negro. This area is renowned for its wealth of fossil discoveries, encompassing not only various species of dinosaurs but also a diverse array of mammals, turtles, and fish. The discovery sheds new light on the ancient ecosystems that thrived in this region millions of years ago, offering invaluable insights into prehistoric life on Earth.

The largest Chakisaurus specimens are estimated to have measured between 2.5 to 3 meters in length and stood at approximately 70 centimeters in height, making them relatively large herbivorous dinosaurs. This translates to around 8 to 10 feet in length and 27 inches in height.

Further studies of Chakisaurus have revealed intriguing characteristics that set it apart from other dinosaurs. Notably, these studies suggest that Chakisaurus was a fast runner, likely possessing adaptations for swift locomotion. Additionally, researchers have observed an unusual downward curvature in the tail of Chakisaurus, a feature that distinguishes it from other similar species. These new findings contribute to our understanding of the morphology and behavior of this fascinating dinosaur species that roamed the Patagonian landscape millions of years ago.

Rodrigo Álvarez, the author of the study, highlighted some key features of the newly discovered species, Chakisaurus nekul. Describing it as a bipedal herbivore, Álvarez emphasized one of its distinctive traits: the curvature of its tail. Unlike many other dinosaurs, whose tails typically extend horizontally, Chakisaurus nekul exhibited a unique downward curvature in its tail. This feature sets it apart and adds to our understanding of the diversity of dinosaur morphology during the Late Cretaceous period.

The name Chakisaurus nekul holds cultural significance, reflecting both the indigenous Tehuelche and Mapuche languages of the region where the dinosaur was discovered. "Chaki" comes from the Aonikenk language, meaning "old guanaco," a nod to a medium-sized herbivore mammal native to the area. "Nekul," on the other hand, is derived from the Mapudungún language of the Mapuche people, translating to "fast" or "agile." This naming choice reflects the dinosaur's characteristics as a swift runner, likely an adaptation for evading predators in its ancient ecosystem.

Sebastián Rozadilla, a co-author of the study, elaborated on the dinosaur's physical attributes, highlighting its robust hind limbs and a tail structure that enabled it to maneuver sideways, aiding in balance during rapid locomotion. The discovery, initially made in 2018 by a team of Argentine paleontologists with the support of the National Geographic Society, was recently unveiled and documented in the esteemed journal Cretaceous Research

Source: Reuters‍