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Dicynodont fossil discovery in Tanzania

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2026-09-18 19:02 UTC → 2026-09-24 08:51 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Paleontologists have identified a new species of prehistoric dicynodont, named Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda, in the Manda Beds of Tanzania. This plant-eating, tusked synapsid lived approximately 240 million years ago during the Triassic period. The discovery is notable as it represents the first confirmed record of the Dinodontosaurus genus outside of South America. By establishing a link between the Tanzanian and South American fossil-bearing rocks, researchers have determined that the Tanzanian deposits are likely younger than previously estimated. This revised dating has significant implications for the understanding of early dinosaur ~~evolution. The geological units containing these fossils are also associated with~~ evolution and may impact the classification of controversial specimens ~~that were~~ in the same geological units previously proposed as some of the earliest known ~~dinosaurs;~~ dinosaurs. An international research team led by Hady George from the ~~new findings may impact how these fossils are classified and how~~ University of Bristol recently described the ~~evolutionary timeline~~ species in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. The fossils, which include parts of the skull and lower jaw, were originally discovered during an expedition in 1963 but have only recently undergone comprehensive study. The animal is ~~interpreted.~~ estimated to have been over two meters long and weighed roughly 200 kilograms. Researchers noted that the site may contain remains from multiple individuals or closely related species.

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