A fossil found near a reservoir in the municipality of Sao Joao do Polesine is estimated to be around 233 million years old, according to paleontologist Rodrigo Temp Müller, who headed the team from the Federal University of Santa Maria that discovered the bones in May.
These claims have not yet been independently verified by other scientists or published in a scientific journal.
The researcher believes that the dinosaur lived during the Triassic period (250 to 200 million years ago), when all the continents were united in a single landmass called Pangea. It is thought that dinosaurs first evolved during this period.
The apex predator found in Rio Grande do Sul belongs to the group known as Herrerasauridae — a family of dinosaurs that roamed the lands that are now Brazil and Argentina, according to a fact sheet regarding the discovery shared with The Associated Press.
The size of the bones indicates that the dinosaur would have reached approximately 2.5 meters in length, according to the document.
Rodrigo Temp Müller stated that he and his team were “very excited and surprised” by their findings.
After approximately four days of digging, the research group brought a block of rock containing the specimen back to the laboratory, where they conducted tests.
“Initially, it appeared to be a few isolated bones, but as we uncovered the material, we realized we had an almost complete skeleton,” Müller explained.
The expert hypothesizes that their discovery constitutes the second most complete skeleton of this type of dinosaur.
Researchers will now investigate whether the fossil belongs to a previously known species or if they have discovered a new species. This work is expected to take several months, as the process is meticulous to ensure no damage occurs.
Fossils are more likely to appear following rainfall, as water exposes the materials by washing away the sediments that cover them, a phenomenon known as weathering.
Rio Grande do Sul experienced record rainfall earlier this year, resulting in devastating floods in May that killed at least 182 people, according to a July 8 toll from the state’s civil defense.
Extreme weather events are becoming more likely due to climate change, driven primarily by the burning of oil, gas, and coal.
Mr. Müller explained that more fossils were appearing due to the heavy rains, leading to a race once morest time to save the bones before they were destroyed.
On the ground, his team observed “a leg bone and a pelvic bone in the pelvic region that were already destroyed due to the rain,” he said.
Mr. Müller hopes the discovery will help shed light on the origins of dinosaurs.
“Having new fossils that are so well-preserved certainly helps us to better understand this topic, which is still the subject of much debate,” he said.
233 Million Year Old Dinosaur Fossil Found in Brazil
A remarkable discovery in the municipality of Sao Joao do Polesine, Brazil, has unearthed a dinosaur fossil believed to be approximately 233 million years old. The fossil, found near a reservoir, was uncovered by a team from the Federal University of Santa Maria, led by paleontologist Rodrigo Temp Müller.
Triassic Period Predator
The dinosaur, believed to have lived during the Triassic period (250 to 200 million years ago), is thought to be a member of the Herrerasauridae family. These dinosaurs roamed the lands that now comprise Brazil and Argentina during a time when all the continents were merged into a single landmass known as Pangea.
The bones reveal a dinosaur that was approximately 2.5 meters long, a significant find for understanding the early evolution of these iconic creatures.
Nearly Complete Skeleton
After four days of excavation, the research team carefully removed a block of rock containing the specimen and brought it back to the lab. Initial observations revealed a few isolated bones, but upon further examination, the team realized they had unearthed an almost complete skeleton.
Müller believes this discovery represents the second most complete skeleton of its kind ever found. The sheer completeness of the fossil provides a wealth of data for scientists to analyze.
New Species Potential
The team is now meticulously investigating whether the fossil belongs to a known species or represents a new dinosaur species entirely. This meticulous process is expected to take several months and involves careful preparation to avoid damaging the precious remains.
Rainfall and Fossil Discovery
The discovery is timely, coinciding with a period of heavy rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul. Heavy rains play an important role in exposing fossils, as they erode sediments that cover them, a process known as weathering.
These recent rains have led to a race once morest time for researchers to recover fossils before they are further damaged by the elements. Müller and his team witnessed firsthand the destructive power of the rain, with a leg bone and pelvic region of the fossil already destroyed.
Insights into Dinosaur Origins
The discovery offers invaluable insights into the evolution and early history of dinosaurs. Müller emphasizes the importance of such well-preserved fossils in helping researchers better understand these fascinating creatures.
“Having new fossils that are so well preserved certainly helps us to better understand this subject, which is still the subject of much debate,” he said.
Keywords:
* Dinosaur fossil
* Triassic period
* Herrerasauridae
* Brazil
* Rio Grande do Sul
* Pangea
* Paleontology
* Fossil discovery
* Rodrigo Temp Müller
* Federal University of Santa Maria
* Sao Joao do Polesine
