Dinosaur fossil revealed after heavy rains in Brazil

After heavy rains in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, a team led by paleontologist Rodrigo Temp Müller from the Federal University of Santa Maria exposed a nearly complete fossilized dinosaur skeleton, believed to be one of the world's oldest, dating back 233 million years, recovered near a reservoir in Sao Joao do Polesine.

Researchers believe that dinosaurs were discovered during the Triassic period,when all the continents were part of a single land mass called Pangaea. Dinosaurs are thought to have first evolved at that time.

According to research dinosaurs discovered in Rio Grande do Sul belong to the group known as Herrerasauridae[AM1] .

Müller said that he and his team were very excited and surprised by their findings.

Müller noted that paleontologists have been excavating the site for approximately 20 years, partly attributing their success to the role of weather in fossil discoveries.

“The fossils in this region are regularly exposed by the rains,” Müller explained to FOX Weather, highlighting the fact that they are encased in sedimentary rock that erodes easily.

However, the last rains accelerated the erosion process,” he added

Following approximately four days of excavations, the team of researchers transported a rock block containing the specimen back to the laboratory for comprehensive testing.

“Initially it seemed like just a few isolated bones, but as we exposed the material, we were able to see that we had an almost complete skeleton,” Müller said.

Researchers will now attempt to ascertain whether the fossil belongs to a known species or represents a new discovery. This meticulous process is estimated to take several months to ensure that no damage is caused during the examination.

Müller noted that increased rainfall has led to the emergence of more fossils, prompting a race against time to rescue the specimens before they deteriorate.

During the excavation, Müller’s team observed that “a leg bone and a pelvis bone in the pelvic region were already being destroyed by the rain,” he explained.

Müller is optimistic that this discovery will provide valuable insights into the origins of dinosaurs.

“Having new fossils that are so well preserved certainly helps us better understand this topic that is still much debated,” he said.

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 [AM1]a family of carnivorous dinosaurs