Detecting completely new dinosaurs in Switzerland

The fossil skeleton of the extremely well-preserved new dinosaur is dated back to the end of the Triassic period.

According to research by researchers from the University of Zurich, the new dinosaur is a carnivore, about 2.5 meters long, belonging to a genus and species never seen before.

Picture 1 of Detecting completely new dinosaurs in Switzerland
A new dinosaur has been discovered by scientists after many years of determination.

Paleontologists named the new dinosaur Notatesseraeraptor frickensis , based on a reference to the town of Frick, Switzerland, where the skeleton was excavated in 2006.

But until recently, the results of phylogenetic analysis (like the map of the dinosaur evolutionary tree) have been published, revealing its characteristics unlike any other species.

"We recognize that it is important. The new dinosaur skull is interesting from an evolutionary standpoint," study author Marion Zahner told CNN.

This species was also the first of a group of hind legs that were found in Switzerland.

According to research documents, excavated skeletons "consist of an almost complete skull, the front legs with joints and stomach".

Researchers can even determine that the last meal of the new dinosaur is a small lizard called Clevosaurus through analysis of leftovers in its stomach.

"I just think that every fossil is very special and it is important that the whole tree of life understands the present and future past , " Zahner said.

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