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Uruguay researchers discover Mesetasaurus protector, a new giant dinosaur species
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Health & Science

Uruguay researchers discover Mesetasaurus protector, a new giant dinosaur species

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Researchers in Uruguay have identified Mesetasaurus protector, a new species of giant dinosaur that lived in the country about 80 million years ago.
  • The discovery, based on two well-preserved tail vertebrae found by fishermen, was published in the journal Ameghiniana.
  • This finding is significant as it's the second record of this dinosaur group in Uruguay, helps date the Guichón Formation, and suggests connections between prehistoric ecosystems in Uruguay and Patagonia.

Paleontologists in Uruguay have unveiled Mesetasaurus protector, a new species of giant dinosaur that roamed the region during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 million years ago. The discovery, detailed in the journal Ameghiniana, was made by researchers Matías Soto, Felipe Montenegro, and Daniel Perea from the Faculty of Sciences at the University of the Republic.

the name Mesetasaurus makes reference to its origin as a reptile and the geography of the place of discovery, while the term protector pays homage to the Uruguayan hero José Artigas

— ExpertsExplaining the scientific name chosen for the new dinosaur species.

The scientific description is based on two exceptionally preserved tail vertebrae. These fossils were accidentally found by fishermen after an excavator passed through the Guichón Formation near the Meseta de Artigas in Paysandú department. The chosen scientific name, Mesetasaurus protector, honors both the discovery's location and Uruguayan hero José Artigas.

the animal belonged to the great group of titanosaurs, quadrupedal long-necked herbivores, and, specifically, to the evolutionary branch of the aeolosaurins, which were distinguished by having specialized and forward-tilted tails.

— Matías SotoDescribing the dinosaur's classification and characteristics.

Matías Soto explained that the animal belonged to the titanosaur group, specifically the aeolosaurini branch, known for their specialized, forward-tilted tails. Comparative anatomy suggests the dinosaur measured between 9 and 10 meters long. Its classification as a distinct species is supported by a unique "blind fossa" on the posterior part of the vertebra.

the fossil acts as a "geological clock" that allows the age of the Guichón Formation to be rejuvenated, confirming that it belongs to the end of the Cretaceous.

— ScientistsHighlighting the significance of the fossil for dating geological formations.

This discovery marks a triple milestone for Uruguayan paleontology. It is only the second record of this dinosaur group in the country. The fossil also acts as a "geological clock," refining the age of the Guichón Formation to the end of the Cretaceous period. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the remains indicates links between prehistoric ecosystems in Uruguay and geological formations in Argentine Patagonia, opening new avenues for research on fauna migration and interaction in the southern Cone of South America.

these studies are fundamental to understanding the history of the country's geological strata and its enormous heritage wealth.

— Juan CristinaThe dean of the Faculty of Sciences of Udelar, celebrating the discovery's scientific importance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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