Scientists have discovered the remains of a new dinosaur – feasting on an ancient crocodile bone.
The new find in Argentina hails from a mysterious group of dinosaurs called megaraptorans – and was thought to be 23ft long.
It probably lived between 66 and 70 million years ago – close to the time dinosaurs went extinct – and was at least 19 years old when it died, although scientists do not know what killed it.
An artist’s illustration of the newly discovered dinosaur. Pic: Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History via AP
Researchers said they uncovered part of a skull as well as an arm, leg and tail bones from the Lago Colhue Huapi rock formation in Patagonia.
They noticed unique features in the bones that made them realise this could be a new species.
The front leg bone pressed against its jaws – belonging to an ancient relative of crocodiles – could reveal clues to its diet.
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Megaraptorans prowled across what is now South America, Australia and parts of Asia, splitting off into different species over millions of years, according to experts.
They were known for their stretched-out skulls and “huge and very powerful claws”, the scientists added.
Researcher Marcelo Luna holding a dinosaur claw. Pic: Marcelo Luna via AP
This latest member of the megaraptoran clan – named Joaquinraptor casali – “fills a major gap by providing one of the most complete skeletons yet”, said Federico Agnolin, with the Argentine Museum of Natural Science Bernardino Rivadavia.
Lucio Ibiricu with the Patagonian Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, who was part of the discovery team, named the new dinosaur in memory of his son Joaquin.
The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
