Title: New Giant Ornithopod Dinosaur Unearthed in Spain’s Upper Jurassic
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers in Spain have recently unveiled a new species of dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic period. The fossil remains of the giant ornithopod, named Oblitosaurus bunnueli, were discovered in the Villar del Arzobispo Formation in the South-Iberian Basin.
Belonging to the group of dinosaurs called Ankylopollexia, Oblitosaurus bunnueli is estimated to have measured up to 6-7 meters in length, making it the largest ornithopod ever found in Europe during the Upper Jurassic era. Furthermore, it also ranks among the world’s largest ornithopods.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond a mere addition to our dinosaur understanding. The identification of Oblitosaurus bunnueli may help solve the mystery surrounding large ornithopod footprints found in the same region, thus unraveling the secrets of ancient reptilian life.
The findings include a tooth, a digit, and an almost complete left hindlimb, which are believed to have come from the same individual. These remarkable fossils are currently housed at the Museo Aragonรฉs de Paleontologรญa in Teruel, Spain, contributing to the impressive collection of prehistoric specimens.
Interestingly, the dinosaur was named after the renowned Spanish film director Luis Buรฑuel, known for his groundbreaking and surreal movies. Paying homage to Buรฑuel’s film “Los Olvidados,” the dinosaur’s name, Oblitosaurus, translates to “forgotten lizard” in reference to the director’s masterpiece.
This remarkable discovery provides invaluable insights into the evolutionary history of basal ankylopollexians. Furthermore, it enhances our understanding of the diverse array of dinosaur species that thrived during the Late Jurassic era, over 161.5 million to 66 million years ago.
The researchers involved in this excavation believe that further study of Oblitosaurus bunnueli holds the potential to unlock additional knowledge regarding the bio-diversity and geographical distribution of dinosaurs from the past.
As paleontologists continue to delve into the rich history of these ancient giants, the discovery of Oblitosaurus bunnueli exemplifies the significant contributions that ongoing research can make in uncovering the secrets of our planet’s extraordinary past.
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