Unveiling Obelignathus septimanicus: The Dinosaur Species That Was Hidden for 72 Million Years!

Paleontologists recently unveiled a new rhabdodontid dinosaur, Obelignathus septimanicus, in a study published in Nature. This species lived about 72 million years ago in what is now the European Archipelago during the Late Cretaceous period. Found in southern France’s ‘Grès à Reptiles’ Formation, these fossilized remains shed light on the variety of dinosaurs that roamed Europe at that time.

This discovery adds to our understanding of the diversity of rhabdodontid dinosaurs. Researchers have long studied these dinosaurs, primarily located in southern France, northern Spain, and Romania. The new species challenges previous beliefs, highlighting the complexity of dinosaur evolution during the Late Cretaceous.

According to experts Dr. Łukasz Czepiński and Dr. Daniel Madzia from the Institute of Paleobiology at the Polish Academy of Sciences, Rhabdodontids, including Obelignathus septimanicus, likely adapted well to their environment. They were herbivores, characterized by their sturdy builds, powerful hind limbs, and distinctive triangular skulls.

“Currently, there are about eight to nine species recognized, with fossils found across Austria, France, Hungary, Romania, and Spain,” say Czepiński and Madzia. However, the full diversity of the Rhabdodontidae family remains unclear. “Our understanding is still evolving,” they add.

Originally, the fossil was thought to belong to a species named Rhabodon septimanicus. Yet, after a detailed study, researchers determined it was unique enough to create a new genus. “This finding shows that Obelignathus is quite different from other European rhabdodontomorphs,” they explained. The reassessment involved a thorough multivariate and phylogenetic analysis.

The study emphasizes that further research is crucial. While new findings reveal that this dinosaur group is likely more diverse than previously thought, many unanswered questions remain. “We need larger studies and detailed descriptions to understand more,” the researchers stated. Their findings suggest several species might have coexisted in southern France and possibly in Romania.

This dive into dinosaur diversity not only enriches our understanding of the past but also highlights how ongoing research continues to reshape our knowledge of ancient life. As we explore these discoveries, we gain insights that connect our present to long-lost eras.

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