Ancient researchers uncover first dinosaur species with distinctive domed skull
In a groundbreaking discovery, paleontologists have unearthed the fossilized remains of the oldest known dome-headed dinosaur ever found. The dinosaur, belonging to a new species of pachycephalosaur called Zavacephale rinpoche, was discovered in the Khuren Dukh locality of the Eastern Gobi Basin in Mongolia.
Z. rinpoche is one of the earliest diverging pachycephalosaurians, pushing back fossil evidence of the frontoparietal dome by at least 14 million years. This discovery fills a gap in the fossil record from the early Cretaceous period in Mongolia, providing valuable insights into the cranial dome development of pachycephalosaurs.
The dinosaur, which was likely a small 'teenaged' juvenile, was approximately 3 feet long and weighed nearly 13 pounds. The fossils found are the most complete and oldest-known ever associated with a pachycephalosaur. The well-developed dome on Z. rinpoche's skull suggests it was sexually mature.
Pachycephalosaurs are known for their uniquely shaped heads, often depicted engaging in headbutting duels. However, the thickened skulls of these dinosaurs may have served a dual purpose, potentially used for self-defense or sociosexual behavior. The complex sociosexual systems of pachycephalosaurs have been a topic of debate due to the absence of early records and the fragmentary nature of nearly all pachycephalosaurian fossils.
Despite being one of the most enigmatic dinosaurs, the discovery of Z. rinpoche provides a significant step forward in understanding the origins and early evolution of dinosaurs with dome-shaped heads. This finding is a testament to the ongoing efforts of paleontologists to uncover the mysteries of our prehistoric past.
In a separate news article, the discovery of a new dinosaur species related to T. Rex was also reported. While not directly related to the discovered dinosaur in this article, it underscores the ongoing excitement and discoveries in the field of paleontology.
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