Newly Discovered Dinosaur in Argentina Challenges Understanding of Abelisaurids
Buenos Aires, Argentina – A newly discovered dinosaur species in Argentina, Guemesia ochoai, is rewriting paleontologists’ understanding of abelisaurids – a group of carnivorous dinosaurs that dominated South America during the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil, unearthed in patagonia, presents a unique combination of features, including a surprising lack of prominent horns or skull bulges typically associated with its relatives, and a significantly smaller brain cavity.
Unlike most abelisaurids, known for their robust skulls and often ornamented heads, Guemesia ochoai exhibits a smoother skull and a brain size approximately 70% smaller than other species in the clade. researchers suggest this could indicate the fossil represents a juvenile or a species with distinct evolutionary adaptations. A small hole, or foramen, in the skull may have played a role in thermoregulation.The finding is notably notable as abelisaurid fossils are scarce in the region,offering a crucial piece in the puzzle of Argentina’s ancient ecosystem.
“this new dinosaur is quite unique for its type. It has several key characteristics that show that it is indeed a new species,” stated Professor Anjali Goswami, a research leader at the Natural History Museum of London. “This shows that dinosaurs living in this region are very different from dinosaurs in other regions in Argentina. This discovery supports the ideas of different provinces in the limestone in South America. This also shows that there are many more that can be found in areas that are less attention. Compare some more famous fossil sites.”
The finding supports the theory of regional dinosaur diversity during the Late Cretaceous, suggesting distinct “provinces” existed within South America, each with its own unique fauna. The discovery highlights the potential for further paleontological breakthroughs in less-explored areas of Argentina.
