Severe rainfall in Brazil has uncovered what may be one of the earliest recorded remains of a dinosaur. This “almost fully preserved” dinosaur fossil was discovered in a reservoir in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul and is thought to be approximately 233 million years old. Researchers believe the fossil goes back to the Triassic Period when the Earth’s continents united to form Pangea.
Researchers believe the fossil belongs to the Herrerasauridae family, a type of predatory dinosaur that grew to reach roughly 2.5 meters long. These dinosaurs previously roamed the regions that are today Brazil and Argentina. “It’s among the oldest in the world,” said Rodrigo Müller of the Federal University of Santa Maria. Initially, only a few isolated bones were seen, but excavation progressed to reveal a virtually complete skeleton.
The oldest dinosaur remains have been dated to approximately 231 million years ago. However, conflicting discoveries indicate that dinosaurs may have appeared 240 million years ago. If validated, this discovery could shed new light on dinosaur origins.
To prevent further damage from the increased frequency of severe rainfall, researchers are working against the clock.
