13 hours ago
8
December 25, 2024 | 09:26 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Scientists have discovered a new species of dinosaur called Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus in Kyrgyzstan, the first Jurassic theropod found in Central Asia west of China. The fossil has been identified as a distant relative of Tyrannosaurus rex and features a distinctive “brow” protruding from its postorbital bone, making it one of the most exciting finds from the Jurassic period.
The study, published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, found that the A. kyrgyzicus fossils consist of two individuals: an 26-foot-long (8-meter-long) adult specimen weighing more than 2,500 pounds (1,250 kilograms) and a smaller specimen estimated to be about 15 percent to 20 percent smaller. The researchers suspect that the two dinosaurs were mother and child.
“This association suggests that Alpkarakush juveniles traveled with adults until the early subadult stage,” the researchers wrote in the study, as quoted by Live Science, Wednesday, December 25, 2024.
The discovery is significant because it closes a major gap in our knowledge of Jurassic theropods, particularly in Central Asia. “This discovery provides important insights into the evolution and biogeography of these animals,” said Oliver Rauhut, lead author of the study and a curator at the Bavarian State Collection for Palaeontology and Geology in Germany.
The fossils were found in a mountainous desert region near Tashkumyr, Kyrgyzstan. The excavation process took a long time, starting in 2006 and only ending in 2023 because the fossils were embedded in a steep slope. The larger specimen was found to be more intact, including almost all of its hind legs, skull and vertebrae.
Another distinctive feature of the fossils is the presence of growth rings on the bones, which helped researchers determine the age of the dinosaurs when they died. The results suggest the adult specimen was a subadult aged at least 17 years old, while the smaller specimen is a juvenile, likely a young one.
The researchers have also made available 3D models of all of the A. kyrgyzicus bones to facilitate further research. “These models are now available online and allow researchers around the world to carry out further studies and make 3D prints,” said Oliver Wings, one of the study’s authors and director of the Natural History Museum Bamberg in Germany.
Editor's Choice: Scientists Confirm New Dinosaur Species Found in China
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Thousands of Scientists Worldwide Issue Urgent Plea for Ceasefire in Gaza
20 hari lalu
Over 1,000 scientists have joined forces in issuing an open letter demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
10 Careers in Artificial Intelligence You Can Pursue in 2024
56 hari lalu
Explore 10 careers in artificial intelligence, offering promising opportunities. From AI engineers to data scientists, consider pursuing these roles.
Asteroid That Doomed the Dinosaurs Originated Beyond Jupiter
17 Agustus 2024
An asteroid slammed into the Earth 66 million years ago eradicating about three-quarters of the world's species and ending the age of dinosaurs.
The Poor Reputation of Our Scientists
15 Februari 2024
Many Indonesian researchers seem to be addicted to putting their names as writers in scientific journals.
Singapore Scientists Innovate with Artificial 'Worm Gut' to Combat Plastic Pollution
8 Februari 2024
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, introduce an artificial 'worm gut' system capable of breaking down plastics.
How Sea Ice Blew the Socks Off Scientists
28 Januari 2024
Not all Antarctic sea ice is same,and the finer details are what scientists need to know more about to understand its impact on the climate system.
Conservation Agency Identifies Ancient Elephant Tusk Fossil in Sragen
3 Agustus 2023
BPSMP) has preserved and identified an ancient elephant tusk fossil found by a Sragen local in Ngebung Village, Sragen Regency, Central Java.
Indonesian Researchers Among Top 2% Scientists by Stanford
28 Oktober 2022
Anuraga Jayanegara, a professor at IPB, is listed in the 'World's Top 2% Scientist 2022' by Stanford University.
Scientists Strive for Negative Emissions
15 Juli 2022
New Solid Carbon technology might be able to lock climate-warming carbon dioxide below ocean bedrock.
Identifiable Hadrosaur Embryo Fossils Discovered in China
11 Mei 2022
Two egg fossils containing identifiable hadrosaur embryos have been discovered in the city of Ganzhou, China.
