Spanish scientists find first evidence of Diplodocus dinosaur in Europe
Paleontologists in Spain say they have found the first evidence of the long-necked Diplodocus genus of dinosaur outside of North America. They found bones at the rich La Tejeria fossil site in Teruel in eastern Spain.
Researchers from the Dinopolis Foundation in Teruel have discovered the first skeletal evidence of the Diplodocus dinosaur outside of North America in eastern Spain. The fossilized remains, which date back approximately 150 million years, were unearthed at the La Tejeria site in the El Castellar municipality. The team found various vertebrae and chevron bones that confirm the presence of a Diplodocus, a long-necked herbivore known for its massive tail.
This discovery marks a significant addition to the list of giant sauropods found in the region. The researchers emphasize that the find is one of the most complete diplodocid skeletons from Europe, providing compelling evidence of the exchange of continental faunas between North America and Europe during the Late Jurassic period.
The authors suggest that this discovery supports the existence of temporary land bridges or sea regressions that allowed land-based dinosaurs to migrate across the proto-North Atlantic Ocean. The rarity of European diplodocid fossils highlights the need for further research and exploration to better understand the ancient ecosystems of the continent.
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- Fossils of iconic long-necked dinosaur Diplodocus found in Europe for first time — and it may have traveled there via land bridge livescience.com
- Spanish scientists find first evidence of Diplodocus dinosaur in Europe dw.com
- Spanish scientists find first evidence of Diplodocus dinosaur in Europe channelnewsasia.com
