The discovery of a new fossil, named N parringtoni, has shed light on a previously mysterious gap in the fossil record where dinosaurs should have been present. This finding has the potential to reshape our understanding of the early evolution of dinosaurs and their place in the history of life on Earth.
The team behind the work, comprised of researchers from the University of Washington, University of California Berkeley, and the Natural History Museum, made this groundbreaking discovery by re-examining bones that were first collected from what is now Lake Malawi in southern Africa. Despite the incomplete nature of the fossil skeletons used to define N parringtoni – consisting of one upper arm bone and six vertebrae – the researchers were able to identify key features that are unambiguously characteristic of dinosaurs.
One of the most significant features of N parringtoni is an „elongated deltopectoral crest,“ which served as an anchor for strong pectoral muscles. This feature is a defining characteristic of dinosaurs and provides strong evidence that N parringtoni is indeed a dinosaur and not another type of reptile that may have independently evolved similar characteristics.
Lead author of the research, Sterling Nesbitt from the University of Washington Seattle, has been at the forefront of dinosaur research for years. In 2010, Nesbitt and his team reported the finding of dinosaurs‘ oldest relative, a member of a group called the silesaurs. This previous discovery, combined with the recent finding of N parringtoni, has significantly expanded our knowledge of the early evolution of dinosaurs and their relatives.
Despite the exciting implications of this discovery, the researchers have stopped short of definitively calling N parringtoni the earliest dinosaur due to the incomplete nature of the fossil evidence. The early evolution of dinosaurs is a complex puzzle, as a diverse array of reptiles were flourishing during the time period when dinosaurs first appeared. Some of these reptiles may have independently evolved characteristics that are associated with dinosaurs, further complicating the picture of dinosaur evolution.
Overall, the discovery of N parringtoni represents a significant step forward in our understanding of dinosaur evolution. By filling a crucial gap in the fossil record, this finding has provided valuable insights into the origins of these iconic creatures and their place in the history of life on Earth. Further research and discoveries in this field are sure to continue reshaping our understanding of the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
