India reportedly has numerous fossil parks and known fossil sites all across the country. Dinosaur fossil findings are common and have been quite popular in India. But, the latest buzz is about a discovery in Jaisalmer. Remains of a 167-million-year-old plant-eating dinosaur were found in the desert region. If you’re an archaeology fanatic, this news is for you.
167-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossil Found In Jaisalmer
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) recently made a special discovery. They found the oldest fossil remains of a plant-eating dinosaur. The discovery took place in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, reported Times Travel.
The news of the discovery is exciting for 3 very special reasons. Firstly, it is the discovery of the oldest known dicraeosaurid, which is a long-necked plant-eating dinosaur. Secondly, it stands as the world’s earliest diplodocoid. Which is a broader category of similar dinosaurs.
And lastly, it is the first discovery of dicraeosaurid dinosaur in India. Scientists initially uncovered this groundbreaking dinosaur fossil in 2018, reported TOI. Through thorough research, they confirmed it as a previously undiscovered species, stated the report.
They named this dinosaur Tharosaurus indicus, honouring its origin in the Thar Desert and India. Researchers have published the study in Scientific Reports, an international journal under the Nature Portfolio publication, reported Times Travel.
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What Did They Find During The Discovery?
During the exploration and excavation of Middle Jurassic rocks in Jaisalmer, the team unearthed the fossil, stated TOI. After its discovery, a group of six scientists dedicated around five years to studying the findings stated the report. This isn’t the first instance of a dinosaur fossil discovery capturing attention.
In January, researchers found 92 nesting sites in the Narmada Valley, central India, stated TOI’s report. They discovered a remarkable total of 256 fossilized eggs during this time. These eggs, which belonged to titanosaurs, the largest land-walking dinosaurs, made significant headlines.
Also Read: 6 Places In Rajasthan To Enjoy In The Monsoons
Such discoveries bring immense excitement, indicating India’s significant role in dinosaur evolution. They suggest that India has played a vital part in shaping the dinosaur timeline. These findings are bound to remain a topic of discussion for an extended period.
Cover image courtesy: Canva (Representative image)