A newly identified dinosaur species, *Dasosaurus tocantinensis*, was discovered during construction in northeastern Brazil. This discovery provides new information about how giant dinosaurs spread across ancient continents. The species is detailed in a study published in the *Journal of Systematic Palaeontology*.
The dinosaur measured approximately 20 meters (65 feet) long. It lived about 120 million years ago. Its fossils were found at a road rail terminal construction site in Davinópolis, Maranhão state. The species' closest known relative lived in Spain, suggesting an evolutionary connection between South America and Europe.
Researchers propose that the ancestors of *Dasosaurus tocantinensis* reached South America through North Africa. This migration likely occurred between 140 and 120 million years ago. At that time, these landmasses were connected as part of the supercontinent Gondwana. This makes *Dasosaurus tocantinensis* the largest known dinosaur from Maranhão.
The fossils were initially uncovered by archaeologists monitoring the construction project. The remains were first thought to belong to large prehistoric mammals. Elver Luiz Mayer, a professor at the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley, identified them as much older. He then assembled a multidisciplinary team to study the specimen.
The preserved skeleton includes several major bones. These include tail vertebrae, a 1.5-meter femur, ribs, foot bones, and arm and leg bones. This makes it a relatively complete specimen. Researchers believe more fossils from this specimen may still be at the excavation site.
Bone analysis revealed a growth pattern combining traits from older sauropods and titanosaurs. This suggests some bone growth patterns appeared earlier than previously thought. This could explain how certain sauropods achieved enormous sizes. The discovery highlights how construction projects can expose fossils, while also emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and preservation.
Related stories
Earth's Magnetic Field Used to Search for Dark Matter Signals
Scientists used Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere as a giant detector to search for ultralight dark matter particles, improving axion limits and finding mysterious dark photon signals.
Earth Used as Dark Matter Detector, Reveals Mysterious Signals
Scientists used Earth's magnetic field as a giant dark matter detector, setting new limits on axion interactions and finding mysterious dark photon signal candidates.
Mathematicians Create World's Fairest 60-Sided Dice
Mathematicians spent 15 years designing what they assert are the world's fairest 60-sided dice, ensuring equal probability for each face.