Millions of years ago, a fascinating bird-like dinosaur roamed the vast lands of North America. This newly discovered creature, aptly named the “Chicken from Hell,” was recently identified through the analysis of fossilized bones found in South Dakota. The findings, published in the journal PLOS One, shed light on the existence of this prehistoric species and provide valuable insights into its characteristics and behavior.
The bones, including a femur and tibia, were unearthed in Meade County, which is part of the Hell Creek Formation. This region is known for its abundance of sedimentary rock that preserves the remnants of ancient plant and animal life. Initially, researchers from Oklahoma State University believed that the bones belonged to a larger dinosaur called Anzu wyliei. However, further tests revealed that they had stumbled upon an entirely new species.
The newfound creature belongs to the oviraptorosaur family, specifically a group called caenagnathids. These dinosaurs were human-sized theropods with slender limbs and grasping hands. What set them apart were their “unusual” skulls, which distinguished them from other dinosaurs of their time. Caenagnathids were prevalent in both North America and Asia during the Late Cretaceous period, which spanned from approximately 100 to 66 million years ago.
The newly discovered species has been named Eoneophron infernalis, which translates to “Pharaoh’s dawn chicken from hell.” It weighed around 170 pounds and was characterized by its toothless beak and a layer of feathers that covered its body. Unlike modern birds, it had three-fingered hands with sharp claws and a short tail. These physical attributes provide valuable clues about its evolutionary lineage and lifestyle.
Determining the exact diet of Eoneophron infernalis is challenging due to the absence of teeth in its skeletal remains. Oviraptorosaur species were known to be both herbivorous and omnivorous, making it difficult to ascertain which category this newfound species fell into. Kyle Atkins-Weltman, one of the study authors, suggests that they were likely omnivores, with some species leaning more towards carnivory or herbivory.
Understanding the social behavior of this ancient creature is equally challenging, as few caenagnathid fossils have been discovered. Atkins-Weltman speculates that, similar to modern animals, different species may have exhibited varying levels of sociality. Some may have lived solitary lives, while others could have formed flocks. Further research and exploration are needed to unravel the mysteries surrounding their social dynamics.
The study also indicates that caenagnathids thrived during the Late Cretaceous period before facing extinction approximately 66 million years ago. This mass extinction event was triggered by an asteroid impact, which wiped out numerous species on Earth. The discovery of Eoneophron infernalis highlights the importance of studying these lesser-known dinosaurs and raises awareness about the need for further research in this field.
Atkins-Weltman emphasizes that there is still much to learn about caenagnathids and their place in the ancient ecosystem. He hopes that by shedding light on these “hell chickens,” researchers will be inspired to delve deeper into the study of small dinosaurs. Uncovering their secrets could provide valuable insights into the evolution of life on Earth and the intricate web of relationships that existed millions of years ago.
The discovery of the “Chicken from Hell” dinosaur adds another fascinating chapter to our understanding of prehistoric life. As scientists continue to unearth new fossils and analyze existing ones, we are reminded of the vast diversity that once roamed our planet. These ancient creatures offer us a glimpse into a world long gone, sparking our curiosity and fueling our desire to explore further.