Paleontologists have unearthed a remarkable new dinosaur species in Argentina, shedding light on the diverse hunting strategies of Cretaceous predators. Named *Joaquinraptor casali*, this megaraptoran boasts a nearly complete skeleton, a rarity that provides invaluable insights into its anatomy and behavior. The fossil, discovered in the Lago Colhué Huapi rock formation of Patagonia, reveals a creature approximately 23 feet long that lived between 66 and 70 million years ago. Its age at death is estimated at at least 19 years.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the discovery is the presence of a fossilized ancient crocodile relative's leg bone nestled within the *Joaquinraptor's* jaws. This finding offers compelling evidence about its diet and predatory methods. Unlike the iconic *Tyrannosaurus rex*, which relied on powerful jaws and relatively small arms, *Joaquinraptor* likely utilized its long, powerful arms to subdue prey. This suggests a fascinating evolutionary divergence, with different predatory lineages evolving distinct, yet equally effective, hunting adaptations.
Lucio Ibiricu of the Patagonian Institute of Geology and Paleontology, a member of the discovery team, highlights the significance of the find: "Megaraptorans are among the least understood dinosaurs. *Joaquinraptor casali* fills a major gap by providing one of the most complete skeletons yet, allowing us to understand their evolutionary place and hunting strategies."
The unique features of the *Joaquinraptor casali* bones, including its stretched-out skull and formidable claws, differentiate it from other known megaraptorans. The discovery is particularly exciting because megaraptorans, previously known from incomplete fossils, remain among the least understood of all dinosaurs. This new specimen, named in honor of Ibiricu's son Joaquin, contributes significantly to our understanding of these enigmatic apex predators of the Late Cretaceous. The research was published in Nature Communications and provides compelling evidence of multiple successful strategies for top predators during this period. The discovery of *Joaquinraptor* follows closely on the heels of other significant dinosaur discoveries, further enriching our understanding of the prehistoric world and highlighting the ongoing quest to unravel its mysteries.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-dinosaur-argentina-crocodile-leg-jaws-megaraptorans-joaquinraptor-casali/
