Scientists recently identified a fascinating new duck-billed dinosaur species called Ahshislesaurus wimani. This dinosaur roamed present-day New Mexico about 75 million years ago. Researchers found that A. wimani likely had a flat head and a unique bony crest on its snout.
This discovery suggests that the duck-billed dinosaurs, or hadrosaurids, were far more diverse than we previously thought, especially in the last 20 million years of the Cretaceous period, which lasted from roughly 145 million to 66 million years ago.
Hadrosaurids, often likened to the “cows of the Cretaceous,” were large, plant-eating creatures. According to paleontologist Steven Jasinski from Harrisburg University, they likely lived in herds, making them a common sight in their environment during their time.
Fossils from A. wimani, which might have reached lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters), were initially thought to belong to a different hadrosaur species called Kritosaurus. A significant piece of these fossils was gathered back in 1916, but as new fossilized remains have been discovered, scientists are reevaluating earlier classifications.
The research team analyzed fossils stored at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, including an incomplete skull and several vertebrae. Anthony Fiorillo, executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, stressed the importance of skulls in identifying dinosaur species. “Noticing differences in skull structure is a strong indicator of a new species,” he said.
By comparing A. wimani‘s skull to those of other hadrosaurids, the researchers found clear distinctions that support its classification as a new species. A. wimani appears closely related to Kritosaurus, indicating that they likely diverged from a common ancestor not too long before.
Despite the similarities, it’s still unclear how these related species coexisted. Understanding the relationships among these dinosaurs could shed light on their environment and evolution. Malinzak pointed out that the discovery reflects a significant period of diversity for duck-billed dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous.
With this discovery, we gain not only insights into the dinosaur’s physical traits but also a glimpse into the ecosystem they thrived in. This evolving research reminds us of the complexity of life on Earth millions of years ago, and as new fossils continue to surface, we can expect to learn even more about these incredible creatures.
For more in-depth information on these findings, refer to studies published in the Bulletin of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.
