Study Reveals Possible Size of Early Dinosaurs

A newly uncovered 225-million-year-old fossil challenges everything we knew about early dinosaurs.

Early Dinosaurs May Have Been Larger Than Previously Thought

A study published in Royal Society Open Science presents a 225-million-year-old fossil found in Zambia, indicating that early dinosaur ancestors might have been larger than previously known. The femur, which belonged to a silesaur, an early reptile close to dinosaurs, suggests that these ancestors grew much bigger than initial assumptions. The research reexamines policies about the ecological roles of early dinosaurs, highlighting the complexities of the Triassic period. Overlooked for decades, the femur gained significance after being examined by Ph.D. student Jack Lovegrove, who argues that it could reshape our understanding of early dinosaur evolution.

This discovery marks a pivotal moment in paleontology, challenging decades of assumptions about early dinosaur size and ecology. The idea that the earliest dinosaurs were larger than thought changes our perspective not only on their evolution but also on the ecosystems they inhabited. It raises questions about the competition and relationships between species during the Triassic period. Lovegrove's findings emphasize the importance of reevaluating existing fossils to gain new insights into the past, encouraging paleontologists to reexamine museum archives that could hold the key to significant discoveries.

Highlights

As researchers delve deeper into the past, a new understanding of ancient life continues to emerge.