New Dinosaur Species Unearthed in Arizona Offers Insight Into Prehistoric Life
In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have identified a previously unknown dinosaur species that roamed northern Arizona over 220 million years ago. The discovery of Akidostropheus Oligos, an aquatic dinosaur distinguished by its remarkably elongated neck, sheds light on the diverse ecosystems of the Triassic period.
Akidostropheus Oligos thrived in the warm, swampy waters and small rivers that characterized northern Arizona’s prehistoric landscape. This newly discovered species was brought to light by a collaborative effort between paleontologists from Petrified Forest National Park and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.
The research, spearheaded by seasonal paleontologist Alaska Schubert, culminated in the naming and publication of the species just last week. The fossils, unearthed near the renowned “Thunderstorm Ridge” at Petrified Forest, are notably minute.
To retrieve these tiny remains, researchers employed a meticulous process of gathering large rock samples from the site, washing the rocks through fine metal screens, and examining them under microscopes. The diminutive size of the fossils is reflected in the species’ name; Akidostropheus Oligos translates to “tiny, spiked back bone,” alluding to a unique neck vertebra measuring less than 7 millimeters in height—smaller than a typical pinky fingernail—and featuring a distinctive spike.
While related species have been frequently found in Europe and China, their presence in North America is rare, making this discovery particularly significant for the scientific community.
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