New Fish-Eating Dinosaur Species Discovered in Argentina's Patagonia
Heron-like, fish-eating dinosaur from 70 million years ago discovered in Argentina
Image: Phys.org
A new species of fish-eating dinosaur, named Kank australis, has been discovered in southern Patagonia, Argentina. This heron-like dinosaur lived around 70 million years ago and is believed to have grown up to 3 meters long. Its discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of unenlagiids in South America.
- 01Kank australis was identified from fossil remains including teeth and vertebrae, discovered near El Calafate, Argentina.
- 02The dinosaur likely grew to a length of 2.5–3 meters and exhibited adaptations for fishing, similar to modern herons.
- 03The fossils indicate that Kank lived in a temperate, humid climate with abundant aquatic life, contrasting with today's conditions.
- 04Kank coexisted with larger carnivores, suggesting it had to navigate threats from species like Maip macrothorax.
- 05The name Kank is derived from Aonikenk mythology, referring to a giant rhea that left its imprint in the sky.
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Paleontologists have identified a new species of dinosaur, Kank australis, from fossil remains found in southern Patagonia, Argentina, dating back approximately 70 million years. This heron-like dinosaur, part of the unenlagiid family, likely reached lengths of 2.5 to 3 meters and exhibited features indicating it was an active fisher, akin to modern herons. The discovery, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, provides insights into the ecosystem of its time, characterized by meandering rivers and seasonal ponds filled with aquatic life. Kank australis was unearthed at La Anita farm, where excavations since 2018 have revealed a variety of fossils. Notably, its remains were found alongside fish fossils, supporting the theory that it primarily fed on fish. The name Kank pays homage to indigenous Aonikenk mythology, linking the dinosaur to local cultural lore. Researchers plan to continue excavations to further explore the ecological role of Kank and its relatives in the Late Cretaceous period.
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The discovery of Kank australis enhances understanding of the Late Cretaceous ecosystem in southern Patagonia.
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