In a groundbreaking discovery that has rewritten the evolutionary history of dinosaurs, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and IIT Roorkee research teams have unearthed the world's oldest known dicraeosaurid dinosaur fossil in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India.
Named Tharosaurus indicus, this new species not only holds the title for being the oldest dicraeosaurid but also the most ancient diplodocoid, a broader group that includes dicraeosaurids and their close sauropod relatives.
The Discovery
The journey began in 2018 when the GSI initiated a fossil exploration program in the rocky interiors of Rajasthan's Jaisalmer. The aim was to delve into the ancient past when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. While excavating Middle Jurassic rocks in the Thar Desert, the research teams stumbled upon a long-necked dinosaur fossil that belonged to an entirely new species. This plant-munching dicraeosaurid dinosaur shaped the prehistoric landscape more than 167 million years ago.
Significance of Tharosaurus Indicus
The fossil holds dual significance in the realm of paleontology. Firstly, it is the oldest known dicraeosaurid, surpassing the previous record-holder found in China, which dated back to 166-164 million years. Secondly, it is also the most ancient member of the diplodocoid group. The discovery has accorded India the title for harboring the oldest dicraeosaurus in the world, thereby rewriting evolutionary history.
Global Context
Fossils of dicraeosaurus dinosaurs have previously been found in North and South America, Africa, and China. However, the discovery of Tharosaurus indicus in India has shifted the focus and expanded our understanding of the geographical distribution and evolutionary timeline of these ancient creatures.
Scientific Validation
The findings have been published in Scientific Reports, an international journal by publishers of Nature. This lends credibility to the discovery and opens up avenues for further research into the evolutionary history and geographical distribution of dicraeosaurids and diplodocoids.
The discovery of Tharosaurus indicus is a monumental milestone in the field of paleontology. It not only adds a new chapter to India's prehistoric narrative but also has global implications for the study of dinosaur evolution. This find challenges existing paradigms and raises questions about the biodiversity and evolutionary history of dinosaurs. It serves as a testament to the untapped potential of the Thar Desert as a paleontological goldmine and emphasizes the importance of continued exploration and research in unearthing the mysteries of our ancient past.