Discovering the World’s Oldest and Most Complete Dome-Headed Dinosaur Fossil in Mongolia

Scientists recently made a remarkable discovery in Mongolia: the oldest and most complete fossil of a pachycephalosaur. This group of dinosaurs, known for their unique dome-shaped skulls, roamed the Earth over 100 million years ago. The fossil, dating back 108 to 115 million years, represents a juvenile from a new species named Zavacephale rinpoche.

Found in the Gobi Desert by a team led by paleontologist Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, this fossil sheds light on a mysterious type of dinosaur. Pachycephalosaurs were herbivores and walked on two legs. Despite their intriguing appearance, not much has been known about them.

Michael Pittman, a paleobiologist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, highlighted the rarity of pachycephalosaurs, likening the global collection of their fossils to fitting in just a couple of bathtubs. The Gobi discovery is particularly significant because it offers more anatomical details than prior finds, which mostly included skulls.

The researchers concluded that this individual was already about 3 feet long and at least 2 years old. Its skeleton showcases long legs, short arms, and even stones called gastroliths. These stones would have helped it digest tough plant material. Interestingly, even at a young age, the fossil shows the thickened skull bone characteristic of its species.

The study notes that this is the most complete pachycephalosaur fossil found so far, making it crucial for understanding how these dinosaurs evolved. Chinzorig explained that the completeness of this fossil allows scientists to study how the distinctive cranial dome developed over time.

The exact purpose of the dome remains a mystery. Some theories suggest it might have been used in head-butting contests or possibly for attracting mates. This fossil, being 15 million years older than any previously known, opens a window into the early evolution of these fascinating creatures.

Pittman emphasized the importance of finding this earlier species, as it helps to trace the characteristics of pachycephalosaurs throughout time. It shows that the dome has been a feature for a long period, indicating a deep evolutionary history.

For those who enjoy paleontology or simply want to understand more about these peculiar dinosaurs, this discovery adds another layer to the captivating story of Earth’s prehistoric life. Exploring these aspects of evolution gives us exciting insights into how life adapted and diversified millions of years ago.

Source: Nature

Source link