Today In History with The Retrospectors The Earliest Dinosaur đŚ
Dec 4, 2024
A groundbreaking discovery reveals that Nyasasaurus parringtoni, dating back 245 million years, is the earliest known dinosaur, reshaping our understanding of dinosaur evolution. Unearthed in Tanzania, the fossil was ignored for decades before paleontologists brought its story to light. The discussion delves into the intriguing characteristics of early dinosaurs and contemplates the terrifying notion of a T-Rex the size of a labrador. They also explore the wealth of forgotten treasures hidden in museum collections, proving that paleontology is full of surprises.
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Nyasasaurus Fossils Overlooked
- Nyasasaurus parringtoni fossils, unearthed in the 1930s, were initially overlooked.
- Paleontologist Alan Charig later recognized their potential significance, but his work was unpublished.
Permian Extinction's Impact
- The Permian extinction, a catastrophic event 250 million years ago, wiped out many species.
- This extinction paved the way for archosaurs, which eventually led to dinosaurs.
Nyasasaurus and Dinosaur Origins
- Nyasasaurus parringtoni's features, like a bony crest and three sacral vertebrae, suggest it's a dinosaur.
- However, its existence on Pangea, a supercontinent, complicates tracing dinosaur origins to a specific location.