科学者らは、歯のないくちばしを持ち、2本足で直立歩行した古代のワニの近縁種の新種を特定した。この生物は「ラブジャスクス・エスペクタトゥス（Labrujasuchus expectatus）」と名付けられ、三畳紀後期に現在のニューメキシコ州に生息していた。
この発見は『Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology』誌に掲載された。研究チームはゴーストランチにあるヘイデン採石場から化石を発見した。ラブジャスクス・エスペクタトゥスは、現代のワニへとつながる主竜類の系統の中でもシュボサウルス科に属するが、二足歩行の獣脚類恐竜と似た身体構造へと進化した。
Researchers have described a previously unknown sauropod dinosaur from fossils found in Argentina's Chubut province. The creature, called Bicharracosaurus dionidei, reached about 20 meters in length and lived around 155 million years ago.
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Paleontologists have identified a new raptor-like dinosaur species that lived about 70 million years ago in southern Patagonia. Named Kank australis, the creature likely hunted fish using adaptations similar to those of modern herons.
The tiny arms of Tyrannosaurus rex likely evolved as giant predatory dinosaurs shifted to using their massive skulls and jaws for hunting, according to new research. Scientists examined dozens of theropod species and found a strong connection between shrinking forelimbs and robust skulls. The study suggests this change occurred as predators targeted enormous prey.
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A fossilized Edmontosaurus skull with a Tyrannosaurus tooth still lodged in its face provides rare evidence of a predator-prey encounter from 66 million years ago. Researchers analyzed the specimen at Montana State University's Museum of the Rockies. The study was published in the journal PeerJ.