Scientists report the discovery of a new raptor-like dinosaur, Kank australis, from southern Patagonia, dating to about 70 million years ago. Multiple outlets describe the animal as likely adapted for fish-eating and for hunting in a heron-like manner. The researchers base this interpretation on fossil evidence including teeth, vertebrae, and toe bones. The vertebrae are reported to include specialized features that would have supported a long, flexible neck and rapid, precise movements, consistent with the way modern herons strike at fish. The finding contributes to an updated picture of how some theropod dinosaurs may have hunted, suggesting that fish foraging and heron-like feeding behaviors were present in this lineage during the Late Cretaceous. The dinosaur is described as raptor-like in overall form, while the specific functional anatomy of the neck and feeding-related bones is highlighted as the main line of evidence for the proposed hunting style.
New Patagonian raptor-like dinosaur appears to hunt fish like modern herons
Scientists report the discovery of a new raptor-like dinosaur, Kank australis, from southern Patagonia, dating to about 70 million years ago. Multiple outlets describe the animal as likely adapted for...
- A new raptor-like dinosaur species, Kank australis, is reported from southern Patagonia.
- The fossil material is dated to about 70 million years ago.
- Researchers identify the species from remains including teeth, vertebrae, and toe bones.
- The dinosaur is interpreted as fish-eating, based on anatomical features.
- Scientists suggest it likely used a long, flexible neck for swift, precise hunting, similar to modern herons.
A newly discovered raptor-like dinosaur from Patagonia is changing how scientists think about ancient predators. Named Kank australis, the 70-million-year-old dinosaur appears to have hunted fish much like modern herons, using a long, flexible neck and specialized vertebrae adapted for swift, precise movements.
2 months agoA new raptor-like dinosaur from some 70 million years ago that ate fish and behaved like modern herons has been unearthed from southern Patagonia. The new species, which has been named Kank australis, was identified based on the discovery of fossil remains including teeth, vertebrae, and toe bones.
2 months ago
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