The recent discovery of a new species of dinosaur has sparked excitement and curiosity among scientists and paleontologists. The fossilized remains of the dinosaur, named “Zuul crurivastator”, were found in Montana, USA.
According to researchers, Zuul crurivastator lived approximately 75 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. It is estimated to have been about 20 feet long and weighed around 5,500 pounds. Its name, inspired by the fictional monster from the movie “Ghostbusters”, translates to “destroyer of shins” in Latin.
The discovery of this new species is significant as it provides valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of ankylosaurids, a group of armored dinosaurs. Zuul crurivastator is believed to have had a long, spiked tail and a bony club at the end, which it used for defense against predators.
The fossilized remains of Zuul crurivastator were found in a remarkable state of preservation, with almost 75% of its skeleton intact. This has allowed scientists to study its anatomy and behavior in detail. They have also found evidence of soft tissues, such as skin and scales, which will provide further information about its appearance.
The discovery of Zuul crurivastator was made possible by the collaboration between the Royal Ontario Museum and the Museum of the Rockies. The team of researchers, led by Dr. Victoria Arbour, spent over a decade carefully excavating and studying the fossilized remains.
This new species of dinosaur adds to the ever-growing list of discoveries that continue to fascinate and educate us about the prehistoric world. It serves as a reminder of the vast diversity of life that once roamed the Earth and the importance of preserving and studying these ancient creatures.
The findings of this study have been published in the journal Royal Society Open Science and are available for further research and analysis. The discovery of Zuul crurivastator is a testament to the dedication and hard work of scientists and their ongoing efforts to unravel the mysteries of our planet’s past.
