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Newly discovered dinosaur fossils in Patagonia rewrite the history of duckbilled dinosaurs
The article comes from the June 17 issue of Science News.
Recently, scientists discovered a new batch of dinosaur fossils in the Argentine Patagonia region, which belong to the duck-billed dinosaur subfamily. The study was led by Professor Vargas of the National University of La Plata in Argentina, who carried out excavations in the area for up to five years.
Duckbill dinosaurs are a large group, different morphologies, and a wide range of plant-eating dinosaurs. They lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 68 million years ago. The fossils found in the Patagonia region include three subfamilies of duck-billed dinosaurs: Ramosaurus hadrosaurus, Martin hadrosaurus and Juan Martínez platysaurus.
By analyzing these fossils, the scientists found that they were different from previously known duck-billed dinosaurs. First, the fossilized skulls were more structurally robust, probably in response to more complex chewing movements. Second, their tooth morphology is also different from previously known duck-billed dinosaurs, which may indicate that they differ in diet.
To further validate these findings, the scientists conducted a series of experiments. They used X-ray scanning technology to conduct detailed anatomical analysis of the fossils, and used computer simulation technology to restore the ecological environment and behavioral habits of these dinosaurs. In addition, they performed radiocarbon dating and isotopic analysis of the fossils to determine their age and living environment.
Through these experiments, scientists have come to a new conclusion: there used to be a unique subfamily of duckbill dinosaurs in Patagonia, which is different in morphology, ecology and diet from previously known duckbills. This study not only rewrote the history of duck-billed dinosaurs, but also provides important clues for our better understanding of ecosystems during the Late Cretaceous period.
In short, the discovery of this new batch of dinosaur fossils in the Argentine Patagonia region not only enriched our understanding of duck-billed dinosaurs, but also provided important data and insights for paleontological research.
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