An artist’s reconstruction of Joaquinraptor, with its crocodile meal.
(Andrew McAfee, Carnegie Museum of Natural History)
Paleontologists in Argentina have made a groundbreaking discovery with the identification of a new species of megaraptor, aptly named Joaquinraptor casali. This apex predator not only boasts impressive size but also presents intriguing evidence regarding its last meal— the remains of a crocodile appear to have been found lodged in its jaws.
Members of the Megaraptora clade are characterized as formidable carnivorous dinosaurs, often resembling enormous versions of the infamous raptors depicted in Jurassic Park. New analyses indicate that Joaquinraptor reached a staggering length of over 7 meters (23 feet) and weighed in excess of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds).
In a prehistoric landscape devoid of tyrannosaur predators, Joaquinraptor undoubtedly thrived at the pinnacle of its ecosystem. Researchers suggest that this fossil provides one of the most telling insights into the dietary habits of megaraptors, revealing a taste for ancient crocodile ancestors.
Related: Giant ‘Death Shadow’ Dinosaur Found in Argentina Is Largest Megaraptor On Record
According to Lucio Ibiricu, a paleontologist at the Patagonian Institute of Geology and Paleontology (IPGP), “We recovered a humerus positioned between the lower jaw bones of Joaquinraptor, suggesting—though not definitively—that this megaraptor may have been consuming the crocodyliform when it perished.”
While the researchers note the possibility that the leg bone could have arrived in the megaraptor’s mouth through environmental factors—perhaps washed into its mouth post-mortem—the contact with teeth, along with visible bite marks, implies that a direct interaction between the two species is more than probable. There’s also the potential that they were competing for resources at the time of the encounter.
In a way, Joaquinraptor might have been ensuring a balance against those crocodyliforms known to prey on dinosaurs during that era.
The researchers utilized the microstructure of a fragment of Joaquinraptor‘s tibia to ascertain its age, estimating a minimum lifespan of 19 years at the time of its death, as inferred by the lines of arrested growth (LAGs) akin to tree rings.
Despite only pieces of the jaws, skull, forelimbs, legs, and some tail vertebrae being unearthed, this remains one of the most comprehensive specimens of megaraptors identified to date. Hence, Joaquinraptor not only adds a new species to the prehistoric inhabitants of Patagonia but also aids paleontologists in elucidating this little-understood dinosaur group.
While large tyrannosaurs ruled the northern continents, their absence in the southern regions resulted in megaraptors evolving into apex predators across ancient South America and Australia.
These remarkable creatures likely maintained their predatory dominance right up until their extinction, adapting various physical prowess and hunting strategies.
Ibiricu elaborated, “Megaraptorids, among other features, are distinguished by their robust forelimbs, which are enhanced with enlarged claws on the first and second digits.” He suggests that these powerful claws may have played a crucial ecological role, potentially aiding in prey capture or accessing soft tissue.
The anticipated storyline for Jurassic Park 8 may have just found its most intimidating adversary.
The findings of this research have been documented in the esteemed journal Nature Communications.
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