Paleontologists have recently unveiled a fascinating discovery in Lourinhã, shedding light on a previously unknown species of dinosaur that once roamed the region approximately 150 million years ago. This herbivorous, bipedal creature, relatively diminutive in size, has been christened ‘Hesperonyx martinhotomasorum’.
The unveiling of this remarkable find stems from the unearthing of a nearly intact, semi-articulated leg during excavations conducted in 2021 within the geological formation of Lourinhã, specifically at the rocky outcrop of Porto Dinheiro beach. Collaborative efforts between paleontologists from Nova universities of Lisbon, Zaragoza (Spain), and Bonn (Germany), alongside the Lourinhã Museum and the Natural History Society of Torres Vedras, have led to this significant revelation.
Published in the digital edition of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, the culmination of this research not only adds a new chapter to the annals of paleontology but also pays tribute to the dedication of individuals involved. The nomenclature of the new species, ‘martinho’ and ‘tomas’, honors Micael Martinho and Carla Tomás, fossil preparers at the Lourinhã Museum, where the leg remains of ‘Hesperonyx martinhotomasorum’ are now proudly on display.
Experts suggest that the rarity of this dinosaur during the Jurassic period in Europe underscores its importance in understanding the ecological dynamics of that era. Its unique characteristics offer invaluable insights into the diversity of prehistoric life and its adaptation to various environments.
The unveiling of this new dinosaur species not only enriches our understanding of ancient ecosystems but also underscores the ongoing importance of collaborative scientific endeavors in unraveling the mysteries of our planet’s past.
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