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2 clusters · 2 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Triassic fossil discoveries in Poland and Argentina

Overview

Paleontologists have announced significant Triassic period fossil discoveries in Poland and Argentina involving massive prehistoric predators.

In Poland, a massive Mastodonsaurus specimen—a 240-million-year-old aquatic amphibian—was discovered in southern Poland in 2023. The specimen measures approximately six meters in length and weighs roughly 1,300 kg, making it significantly larger than typical specimens. At the Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw, more than 2,000 volunteers are assisting scientists in the restoration process, using pneumatic tools and ultraviolet light to chisel rock away from the bones.

Simultaneously, researchers from CONICET in Argentina identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile, Shakajlura riojanensis, in the Chañares Formation of La Rioja. This apex predator measured nearly six meters in length and possessed blade-like serrated teeth, offering new insights into ecosystem recovery following the Great Permian Extinction.

Entities

Argentina · La Rioja · Poland · CONICET · Shakajlura riojanensis

Timeline

  1. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Paleontologists discover massive Triassic predators in Argentina and Poland

    Paleontologists have discovered massive prehistoric predators from the Triassic period, including a six-meter crocodile species in Argentina and a giant Mastodonsaurus amphibian in Poland.

  2. 2 months ago

    [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Warsaw volunteers restore massive Mastodonsaurus skeleton

    Over 2,000 volunteers are restoring a 20‑foot Mastodonsaurus skeleton in Warsaw, aiming to create the world’s largest exhibit of the prehistoric amphibian.

Sources

nationalgeographic.com.es · tn.com.ar