Scientists Discover 120 Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossil that Connects Two Continents

Paleontologists in Brazil have uncovered a previously unknown species of sauropod dinosaur, Dasosaurus tocantinensis, which lived around 120 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. Published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, this groundbreaking study reveals not just a new species but also highlights the fascinating biogeographical connections between South America and other parts of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, particularly Europe.

The Discovery of Dasosaurus tocantinensis: A Dinosaur of Unique Anatomy

The recently discovered species, Dasosaurus tocantinensis, measured approximately 20 meters (66 feet) in length and belonged to the Somphospondyli group, which is characterized by titanosauriform sauropods. According to the study published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, these enormous creatures roamed the Earth during the Late Jurassic to the Cretaceous period, but what makes Dasosaurus tocantinensis particularly interesting is its unique anatomical features. A partial skeleton found in the Itapecuru Formation in northeastern Brazil revealed certain distinctive traits. Notably, its tail vertebrae displayed a set of three elongated ridges and grooves, while its thigh bone exhibited a pronounced lateral bulge. These anatomical features have never been seen together in any previously described sauropod species, suggesting Dasosaurus tocantinensis was a unique member of its group.

Unlike its later relatives, which evolved into the dominant titanosaurs in South America, Dasosaurus tocantinensis appears to be more closely related to Garumbatitan morellensis, a sauropod species found in what is now Spain. This connection points to significant implications for how paleontologists understand the spread of dinosaur species across continents. As lead author Dr. Max Langer of the Universidade de São Paulo points out,

“Apart from expanding the known diversity of Early Cretaceous sauropods in the northern part of South America, this discovery highlights biogeographical connections with more northern Gondwanan areas, as well as Europe.”

Biogeographical Implications: A Journey Across Ancient Continents

One of the most compelling aspects of the Dasosaurus tocantinensis discovery is its implications for biogeographical science. The study suggests that the lineage of this dinosaur species, along with its European relatives, had a common origin in Europe. According to the study,

“In fact, numerical biogeographical analyses suggest that the clade formed by Dasosaurus tocantinensis and Garumbatitan morellensis had a European origin, with the lineage including Dasosaurus tocantinensis dispersing to South America via northern Africa at some point between the Valanginian (137-133 million years ago) and Aptian (121-113 million years ago).”

This revelation challenges traditional assumptions about the isolation of South America during the Early Cretaceous period, highlighting that it was not a secluded landmass but part of an interconnected world where dinosaurs could migrate between continents.

The findings of this study support the idea that South America, long considered an isolated continent in terms of its prehistoric life, was actually linked to Europe and other parts of Gondwana through a series of land bridges and migration corridors. This ancient network of connections would have allowed species like Dasosaurus tocantinensis to migrate across vast distances, long before the Atlantic Ocean fully opened up, dividing these landmasses. The study helps piece together the complex puzzle of how dinosaur species spread and adapted across different regions of Gondwana.

New Insights into Early Cretaceous Sauropods

The discovery of Dasosaurus tocantinensis adds a significant chapter to the history of sauropods, particularly those from the Early Cretaceous. Prior to this, much of the fossil record from this period was dominated by the titanosaurs, a group of sauropods that would go on to become the most successful and widespread group of dinosaurs in the Southern Hemisphere. However, Dasosaurus tocantinensis belongs to an earlier and less understood lineage of titanosauriforms, providing paleontologists with new insights into the evolutionary branches of this massive group of dinosaurs.

By studying the fossilized remains of Dasosaurus tocantinensis, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of how sauropods evolved during the Early Cretaceous and the environmental factors that influenced their spread. The discovery also raises questions about the dynamics of dinosaur populations during this period, whether they were already beginning to form the large, diverse herds seen later in the Cretaceous, or if their distribution was still more isolated and fragmented. The anatomical differences seen in Dasosaurus tocantinensis and its relatives offer clues about how early sauropods adapted to different environments.