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Ahshislesaurus wimani: New duck-Billed Dinosaur Species discovered in New Mexico
Revelation and Identification
Researchers have recently announced the discovery of a new species of herbivorous dinosaur, a duck-billed dinosaur (hadrosaurid), that roamed what is now New mexico approximately 75 million years ago. The species, named Ahshislesaurus wimani, is distinguished by its flattened skull and a low bone crest on the snout.
The findings, published in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin, suggest that the diversity of hadrosaurids during the final 20 million years of the Cretaceous period (145 to 66 million years ago) was significantly more complex than previously understood.
“Cretaceous Cows” and Their Habitat
Hadrosaurids, often referred to as “Cretaceous cows“, were large herbivorous dinosaurs. According to study co-author Steven Jasinski, paleontologist at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Pennsylvania, these animals likely lived in herds and were a prominent feature of the late Cretaceous ecosystems in northern New Mexico.
Reclassification of Existing Fossils
A. wimani could reach lengths of up to 12 meters.A set of fossils initially discovered in 1916 had been previously classified as belonging to the genus Kritosaurus. Though, with the discovery of new data and specimens, these existing fossils are now being re-evaluated.
The new study involved a re-examination of fossils found in the Kirtland Formation, including an incomplete skull, a lower jaw, and several vertebrae, all currently housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
The importance of Skull Morphology
Anthony fiorillo, co-author of the research and executive director of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, emphasized the crucial role of skull morphology in species identification. As a general rule… skulls are really the basis for identification
,he stated.
what This Means for paleontology
The discovery of Ahshislesaurus wimani highlights the ongoing process of refining our understanding of dinosaur evolution. The reclassification of previously misidentified fossils demonstrates the importance of continuous research and the application of new analytical techniques. This finding contributes to a more nuanced picture of the hadrosaurid family and their adaptation to the environments of the late Cretaceous period.
Hadrosaurid Diversity: A Comparative Look
Hadrosaurids were a highly successful group of dinosaurs, characterized by their duck-like bills and elegant dental batteries for processing plant matter. They occupied a variety of ecological niches and exhibited a wide range of cranial ornamentation. Here’s a brief comparison of some
