Scientists Discover New Dinosaur With Crocodile Bone In Mouth From Argentina

Scientists have unearthed a new dinosaur species in Argentina with powerful claws, discovered while consuming an ancient crocodile bone.

The newly identified dinosaur, potentially measuring 23 feet (7 meters) in length, belongs to the enigmatic megaraptoran group. These dinosaurs roamed across present-day South America, Australia, and parts of Asia, evolving into various species over millions of years.

According to Lucio Ibiricu from the Patagonian Institute of Geology and Paleontology, who participated in the discovery, megaraptorans were characterized by their elongated skulls and "huge and very powerful claws."

However, questions remain about these creatures' hunting behaviors and evolutionary placement, primarily due to the fragmentary nature of previously discovered fossils.

In their recent study, researchers excavated partial skull fragments along with arm, leg, and tail bones from the Lago Colhué Huapi formation in Patagonia. The team identified distinctive characteristics in these remains that indicated a previously unknown species.

Federico Agnolin with the Argentine Museum of Natural Science Bernardino Rivadavia, who wasn't involved in the research, noted via email that this newest megaraptoran member, named Joaquinraptor casali, "fills a major gap by providing one of the most complete skeletons yet." The findings were published Tuesday in the journal Nature Communications.

The dinosaur likely existed between 66 and 70 million years ago—near the dinosaur extinction event—and was at least 19 years old at death, though its cause of death remains unknown.

A front leg bone from an ancient crocodile relative found pressed against the dinosaur's jaws might provide insights into its dietary habits and whether it dominated the food chain in the humid prehistoric floodplains it inhabited.

Ibiricu named the new dinosaur in memory of his son Joaquin. While his son was very young and hadn't yet developed an interest in dinosaurs, Ibiricu believes he would have appreciated having a dinosaur named after him.

"All children love dinosaurs so he would probably be a fan too," he remarked.