Latest news with #ArgentineNationalGendarmerie
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Fossil of prehistoric marine reptile discovered in Argentina field
The Brief A landowner in Argentina's Neuquén province reported the discovery of fossilized remains Authorities confirmed the find as an ichthyosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile Crews worked with cultural heritage officials to recover the remains safely A quiet stretch of rural Argentina became the site of an ancient discovery after a landowner came across what turned out to be fossilized remains of a prehistoric marine creature. According to the Argentine National Gendarmerie, the discovery was made in the province of Neuquén by a private field owner, who notified local authorities after spotting the unusual find. The backstory With assistance from the Neuquén Cultural Heritage Directorate, members of Squadron 31 in Las Lajas worked to safely recover the fossil, which was later identified as belonging to an ichthyosaur—a marine reptile that lived during the Mesozoic era. Ichthyosaurs were porpoise-like aquatic reptiles and distant relatives of modern-day lizards and snakes, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. They thrived millions of years ago when much of the Earth was covered in oceans and are known for their streamlined bodies and powerful tails, adapted for fast swimming. While details on the fossil's age and condition are still emerging, experts say the discovery contributes to the region's rich paleontological record. The Source This report is based on information released by the Argentine National Gendarmerie and the Neuquén Cultural Heritage Directorate. Scientific details about ichthyosaurs are sourced from Encyclopedia Britannica.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
See it: Fossil of giant fish lizard unearthed in Argentina
NEQUEN, Argentina – An astonishing discovery has been unearthed by paleontologists in Argentina. Local officials say the discovery has been made after a landowner in the area reported the presence of fossilized remains in a field. According to members of the Argentine National Gendarmerie, a local paleontologist confirmed the fossil was that of an Ichthyosaur – a prehistoric marine animal. True to their name, which means fish lizard in Greek, according to National Geographic, the early versions of the Ichthyosaur looked much like a lizard with fins. "There's growing evidence that Ichthyosaurs evolved giant species within about eight million years after they first emerged during the Triassic," said an article from National Geographic. "Many of them were monstrous predators that hunted other marine reptiles and any other prey smaller than themselves, almost as if they were giant orcas." These creatures were large, fast predators. According to National Geographic, the reptile appeared more than 210 million years ago. Cave Discovery Of 6,000-Year-old Hunter's Toolkit Offers Rare Glimpse Into Earliest Lives In West Texas "Apex predators, they were the Orca of their time," said an article from National Geographic. After the paleontologist's confirmation, an environmental patrol team was able to condition and properly remove it. The fossil has been transported to the Carmen Funes Museum, according to article source: See it: Fossil of giant fish lizard unearthed in Argentina
