A newly discovered dinosaur species in Thailand measures up to 66 feet long, roughly the length of a standard American football field. The plant-eating dinosaur, named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, is believed to have lived around 150 million years ago. Its unusually long neck likely helped it reach vegetation at different heights.
The discovery was made by a team of palaeontologists from Thailand’s Mahasarakham University, led by Dr. Apirut Nilpanapan, in Kalasin Province in the country’s northeast. The team found a wide variety of fossils from the Late Jurassic period at the Phu Noi site, including dinosaur teeth and bones. A recovered dorsal vertebra, a bone from the middle or upper back, showed distinctive characteristics that led to the identification of the new species.
Dinosaur Discovery in Thailand
The Uragasaurus kalasinensis is part of the Mamenchisauridae family of sauropod dinosaurs, characterized by their extremely long necks. While most fossils from this family have been found in China, this discovery is the first of its kind in Thailand. A CT scan revealed unique characteristics, including a Y-shaped arrangement of supporting bones and a unique air-cavity structure.
The discovery is significant, as it sheds new light on the diversity of dinosaurs in Southeast Asia during the Late Jurassic period. The study was published in the Nature scientific journal and provides new insights into the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs. The finding is also notable, as it comes just months after the discovery of another long-necked herbivore dinosaur, the nagatitan, in Thailand.
Implications of the Discovery
The discovery of the Uragasaurus kalasinensis has important implications for our understanding of dinosaur evolution and diversity. The fact that it was found in Thailand, a region not typically associated with dinosaur fossils, highlights the need for further exploration and research in the area. The finding also underscores the significance of collaborative efforts between scientists and local communities in uncovering new species and advancing our knowledge of the natural world.
The discovery of this new dinosaur species is a reminder of the many secrets that still remain to be uncovered in the world of paleontology, and its significance extends beyond the scientific community to inspire wonder and awe in people of all ages. As scientists continue to study and learn more about this new species, it is likely to have a lasting impact on our understanding of the ancient world and its inhabitants.
