SPAIN: Researchers have discovered a previously unknown sauropod dinosaur, “Garumbatitan morellensis,” that walked on Earth 122 million years ago. The discovery, named after the area where it was discovered in Spain, near Morella, sheds new light on the complex mystery of dinosaur evolution.
The fossils of Garumbatitan morellensis were first discovered in Sant Antoni de la Vespa fossil site excavations between 2005 and 2008, revealing the site as a gold mine of dinosaur remains. A study on the discovery was published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society on September 28.
Garumbatitan morellensis, a newly discovered sauropod dinosaur, is one of the largest of its time, estimated to have reached a height of 10 meters. Its meter-long vertebrae and a femur that could grow over six feet in length are significant features of its enormous size. The fossil record also revealed two nearly entire articulated feet, further highlighting its remarkable size.
The discovery of Garumbatitan morellensis, a primitive sauropod with a unique bone structure, offers a deeper understanding of the evolution of these large, long-necked beasts that once ruled Earth.
Garumbatitan morellensis, a member of the Somphospondyli subgroup, offers a new perspective on the evolutionary history of the sauropod family, revealing linkages between sauropod lineages in Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, thereby indicating potential global dispersal.
The discovery of Garumbatitan morellensis by palaeontologists offers significant insights into evolution, biogeography, and other scientific concepts. Further discoveries on the early evolution of these giants could be made as researchers continue to explore fossil-rich sites on the Iberian Peninsula.
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