New species of Triassic-era crocodile-like reptile unearthed in Brazil
Two Brazilian researchers and a colleague from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora have discovered a new species of Triassic-era reptile that was unearthed recently at a dig site in Brazil
The scientists were so surprised when they found a complete leg fossil from an unknown ancient reptile, along with configurations of the foot that used to be attached to it
The researchers knew the fossils were ancient; they figured that the rock around them was dated to 230 million years ago, which is the dinosaurs were still roaming the earth.
In subsequent analysis of the fossil, it was determined that it belonged to an ancient reptile group known as Proterochampsida, which had only ever been found in South America
Previous research has shown that, despite having physical characteristics similar to modern crocodiles and alligators, there is no strong degree of kinship between these animals
It was found that the fossil represented a species that hadn't been seen before, so the researchers got to name it.
They chose Tenoscelida aurantiacus because of the slenderness of the leg and the orange color of the rocky bed that it was found in
The researchers estimated that the creature would have been about six feet tall based on the size of the fossil
There is no such thing as a plant eater, so the fossil was never released where it was found, but there are no plans to release the location of the fossil
The scientists were able to make many interesting findings because the fossil was in very good condition
A creature had a big neck and thick shoulders. It was obvious to everyone that it was strong