A species of megaraptorian dinosaur unknown to the present has been identified by Argentine paleontologists from fossilized remains discovered in Patagonia.
Named Maip macrothoraxthe monster is between 9 and 10 meters long and weighs up to 5 tons.
The species inhabited the continental plains of the Gondwana supercontinent about 70 million years ago, during the Maastrichtian period of the Cretaceous period.
To support this weight, its spine is made up of large vertebrae grouped together by a complex system of muscles, tendons and ligaments.explanation in a press release Alexis Aranciaga Rolando, paleontologist at the Argentine Council for Scientific Research (CONICET) and first author of the article published in the journal Scientific Reports (New window) (in English).
In addition, the examination of the seeds of Maip macrothorax helped paleontologists better understand the anatomy of these megaraptors, whose skeletons are not as massive and heavy as those of tyrannosaurs, for example.
” Their bones are not strong. They have a large number of internal hollows that make them lighter, similar to a hollow brick compared to a solid brick. “
Scientists believe that these animals stand on their hind legs while walking or running. They also have long tails and long legs, indicating that they are relatively agile animals.
” Their arms were long, very large, with top claws up to thirty -five centimeters long, from which they grabbed and tore their prey. Nails are their main weapon, because their teeth are sharp, but small. “
Better describe megaraptors
The first fossils of the megaraptor family were excavated in 1996 in the province of Neuquén, Argentina. The discovery of Megaraptor namunhuaiquii was followed by others in Australia, Japan and Thailand.
The name Maip was borrowed from the Tehuelches living in the region. Maip represents the shadow left by death in its condition, as we think that in the Cretaceous this great predator caused a similar thing.said the paleontologist.
The term macrothoraxmeanwhile, refers to the massive chest cavity possessed by this dinosaur.
A humid living environment
The species lived 70 million years ago in a region very different from the current Estancia La Anita, located a few kilometers from the city of El Calafate. At that time, the area was a hot ecosystem. It is a forest, almost a forest, with pools of water, lakes, streams. Many animals live there, including aquatic and terrestrial snails, frogs, turtles, fish, small birds and mammals.added paleontologist Fernando Novas, who also participated in the description of the monster.
” The Andes mountains have not yet risen. We collect the fossilized remains of all the organisms that lived at that time. Now included Maipwe find a super predator that allows us to complete the food pyramid. “
Many parts of the skeleton have not yet been excavated and therefore remain unknown, including the skull and arms.
The Argentine team plans to return to the site in 2023 to try to find other fossils there. Megaraptors are pretty mysterious predators, and though Maip has helped us explain many of their characteristics, including their kinship with other carnivorous dinosaurs, we still need to explain some aspects of their hunting habits, including their preferred prey.explained Alexis Aranciaga Rolando.
Source: Radio-Canada
