Researchers from University College London, in collaboration with scientists from the Natural History Museum in London, have revealed a new species of carnivorous dinosaur after re-examining a fossilized part of a skull found on the British Isle of Wight, which has been preserved in the museum since 1924.
The science website Science Daily reported on Wednesday that the study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, identified the new species as Invictarx ambrina, noting that it represents the first known fossil evidence of the existence of the megaraptoran group of dinosaurs in Europe.
Estimates suggest that this dinosaur lived approximately 120 million years ago, measuring between three and four meters in length, and was characterized by long, curved claws and strong forelimbs, which are believed to have helped it grasp its prey.
The researchers clarified that the dinosaur belongs to a group of predators evolutionarily close to tyrannosaurs, but relied more heavily on its strong forelimbs and large claws for hunting prey, along with other predatory methods.
Modern Analysis Techniques
The team used computed tomography scanning techniques to create three-dimensional models of the fossilized part of the skull, analyzing its anatomical features and comparing them with fossils from other groups of carnivorous dinosaurs. They also utilized computational analyses and evolutionary models to reconstruct the dispersal pathway of megaraptorans.
The results showed that Europe may have been an important stopover in the migration of these dinosaurs towards ancient southern continents, where some of their members later evolved into massive predators.
Significance of Re-study
The discovery provides new evidence regarding the history of the dispersal and evolution of megaraptorans, a group whose fossils remain relatively rare. It also highlights the importance of re-examining fossil groups preserved in museums, as specimens discovered decades ago can reveal previously unknown species.
These discoveries add new information about the evolution of life on Earth, enhancing scientific understanding of the evolutionary lineage of predatory dinosaurs in the European continent.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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