Paleontologists discovered a carnivorous dinosaur in the center of Patagonia which, according to them, occupied the top of the late Cretaceous food chain. For additional proof, they indicate his probable end meal. According to a new analysis published on September 23 in the journal Nature communications,, Joaquinraptor Casali seems to be dead with an old crocodile leg of almost 8 inches next to its jaws.
A wide range of theropod dinosaurs traveled the earth during the Cretaceous era (around 143 to 66 million years ago). One of them was a significantly important family of predators known as megaraptorans, equipped with long skulls, strong forearms and large claws. Paleontologists searched various remains of megaraptoran across Asia, Australia and especially South America. However, these exist mainly in the form of fragmentary samples with few examples of overlapping species. For this reason, little is known about the MEGARAPTORA family tree and its evolutionary trajectory.
More than a decade ago, paleontologists discovered a remarkably well -preserved example of a megaraptran never seen before in the center of Patagonia, near the upstream waters of the Río Chico. In a greater fossil deposit known as the formation of Lago Colhué Huapi, the researchers identified parts of the skull, members, ribs and vertebrae of the unknown theropod.
After years of detailed analysis, paleontologists can now confirm that bones belong to a unique and previously unknown megarapto. Joquinaptor Farms. The microstructural bone analysis indicates that the sample was an adult at the time of his death. That said, he may not have been fully cultivated even at around 19 years old. Researchers believe J. measured about 23 feet long and weighed more than 2,200 lb. J. farms is appointed in tribute to the son of the Lucio Ibirici study, as well as the informal name of the valley.
Its placement in geological layers also suggests that the dinosaur lived 70 to 66 million years ago, making it one of the last known examples of megaraptorans. These sedimentary conditions also suggest that the predator has spent the majority of his time in hot and humid floodplates – a theory supported by macabre evidence nearby against the lower jaw of the dinosaur.
“The preservation of a crocodyliform humerus between dental dentaries of the new theropode can provide information on food preferences and megarapto feeding strategies,” explain the authors of studies.
It is unlikely that paleontologists never confirm if their J. The specimen died by snacking on its last meal. That said, its size and anatomy clearly indicate that it was a formidable theropod and could eat great prey. Although additional questions remain on its biggest megarapto family, the fossils of the new dinosaur – both their own and its prey probably – suggest that J. were among the most formidable creatures in the upper Cretaceous.
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