Musanka sanyatiensis : “New Zimbabwe Dinosaur: Fourth Species Uncovered”

By | June 1, 2024

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Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Zimbabwean dinosaur discovery
2. New dinosaur species Zimbabwe

A new dinosaur species, Musanka sanyatiensis, has been discovered in northwest Zimbabwe, dating back 210 million years. Described in a paper published in Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, this dinosaur belonged to the Sauropodomorpha group and was smaller than its descendants like Brachiosaurus and Diplodocus. With a height of 1.5m and weighing around 390kg, it was one of the larger dinosaurs of its time. The discovery of Musanka sanyatiensis brings the total unique dinosaur species in Zimbabwe to 4, highlighting the importance of African dinosaur fossils in understanding the early days of these prehistoric creatures and the mass extinction events that shaped our planet.

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1. Rare dinosaur discovery in Zimbabwe
2. Newly identified dinosaur species in Zimbabwe

The Discovery of a New Dinosaur in Zimbabwe

Recent findings on the shores of Lake Kariba in northwest Zimbabwe have unveiled an exciting discovery – the remains of a new dinosaur species that roamed the Earth approximately 210 million years ago.

This newly identified dinosaur, named Musanka sanyatiensis, was brought to light through the analysis of fossils found in the region. The fossils, which consist of a hind leg including thigh, shin, and ankle bones, provide a glimpse into the life of this ancient creature.

Dinosaur fossil bone in red dirt
Musankwa sanyatiensis leg bones as they were discovered in the ground. Credit: Paul Barrett.

A Glimpse into the Past

Analysis of the fossils suggests that M. sanyatiensis belonged to the Sauropodomorpha group, which includes the iconic long-necked sauropods. However, unlike its larger descendants, M. sanyatiensis was much smaller and walked on two legs. Living during the late Triassic period, this dinosaur stood at an estimated height of 1.5 meters at the hip and weighed around 390 kilograms, making it one of the larger dinosaurs of its time.

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Zimbabwe’s Growing Dinosaur Diversity

The discovery of M. sanyatiensis marks an exciting milestone for Zimbabwe’s palaeontological landscape, as it adds to the growing list of unique dinosaur species found in the region. With this new addition, Zimbabwe is now home to four distinct dinosaur species, showcasing the rich prehistoric heritage of the country.

In a statement, first author Paul Barrett highlighted the significance of these discoveries, noting that the underrepresentation of African dinosaur fossils is mainly due to undersampling. However, recent findings in Africa have shed light on the continent’s paleontological importance, providing valuable insights into the early days of the dinosaurs.

Uncovering Africa’s Paleontological Treasures

Exploring Late Triassic to Early Jurassic sediments in Zimbabwe has the potential to unravel key mysteries of the dinosaur world, including the mass extinction event at the end of the Triassic period. These findings not only contribute to our understanding of Earth’s ancient history but also play a crucial role in shaping our knowledge of biodiversity and evolution.

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