Two separate dinosaur fossils have been discovered in Patagonia this week, in what paleontologists are calling “unique” finds.
In a South American first, remains of a particular kind of brontosaurus – a family of dinosaurs only previously found in North America and Africa – were discovered in Neuquén. The dinosaur has been called the ‘Leinkupal Laticauda’, which means “disappearing family” in the indigenous language of Mapuche. It is thought to be related to the diplodocus, but is much smaller, measuring nine metres compared to the diplodocus’ 20.
(courtesy of Telam)
The dinosaur is thought to be from the later Jurassic period, unusual for remains uncovered in Argentina. Paleontologist Sebastián Apesteguía said: “It’s the most famous of the herbivores, like the dinosaur from the Flintstones, and comes from a strange time period compared to the other discoveries in Neuquén.”
Also in Patagonia, paleontologists today announced they have found fossil remains of a sauropod dinosaur, the largest dinosaur in the world, dating back 90 million years. The discovery came in the province of Chubut, some 260km west of the city of Trelew.
The herbivore measured around 40 metres in length, the equivalent of 14 elephants, explained the director of the Museo Egidio Feruglio, Ruben Cuneo, which was behind the excavation. He went on to say that the fossils are the largest ones ever discovered, saying “we will have to make a bigger hole” in the museum’s wall to fit the the exhibit in. They have yet to name the new find.
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