The First Dinosaur of 2024

The year kicked off with the naming of the first dinosaur of 2024, Sidersaura marae. This remarkable creature belongs to the sauropod family, which includes some of the largest terrestrial animals known to have roamed the Earth. Sidersaura thrived over 90 million years ago in present-day Argentina and could reach lengths of approximately 18 to 20 meters (59 to 66 ft), making it one of the largest rebbachisaurid sauropods known.

Learn more about this exciting discovery in the video above.

Tyrannosaur Discoveries

This month also brought thrilling news regarding the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. One study revealed that fossils typically believed to belong to juvenile T. rex specimens might actually represent a distinct genus known as Nanotyranus lancencis. This finding has reignited a long-standing debate in the scientific community about the existence of Nanotyrannus.

Additionally, a new species of Tyrannosaurus, named T. mcraeensis, was identified. This species inhabited North America several million years before the well-known T. rex and may have even been larger.

For more insights on these developments, check the following video:

A New Caenagnathid from South Dakota

In South Dakota, paleontologists unearthed a new turkey-sized dinosaur initially thought to be a juvenile version of the feathered theropod Anzu wyliei. This newly named genus, Eoneophron infernalis, is part of a lesser-known group of oviraptorid dinosaurs called caenagnathids. These toothless dinosaurs are relatives of the Mongolian Oviraptor, yet their fossil record in North America is relatively sparse.

The discovery of Eoneophron enhances our understanding of the diversity of life shortly before the asteroid impact that marked the end of the dinosaurs.

A New Titanosaur from Asia

Researchers identified a new titanosaur species, Gandititan cavocaudatus, in southern China. Titanosaurs were widespread during the Late Cretaceous, and this discovery adds to the complex puzzle of their evolutionary history. The fossil remains include key vertebrae and indicate that Gandititan measured around 14 meters (46 ft) in length.

The findings suggest a potential link between Asian and South American titanosaurs during the mid-Cretaceous period.

Acrocanthosaurus in Eastern North America

This month marked the first confirmed record of Acrocanthosaurus in eastern North America. Estimated to reach lengths of 11.5 meters (38 ft) and weigh up to 6.2 metric tons, Acrocanthosaurus was one of the continent's largest carnivorous dinosaurs, second only to T. rex. New remains of a subadult specimen were found in Maryland, confirming this apex predator's extensive range across North America.

The Extinction of Gigantopithecus

A study published in January suggests that climate variability was a crucial factor in the extinction of Gigantopithecus blacki, the largest primate to ever walk the Earth. Researchers analyzed cave samples to reconstruct the timeline of its decline, revealing that changes in East Asia's environment led to unfavorable conditions for Gigantopithecus.

A New Crocodylomorph from Thailand

In Thailand, scientists discovered a new species of prehistoric crocodylomorph named Varanosuchus sakonnakhonensis from the Early Cretaceous Period. This terrestrial predator sheds light on the evolutionary relationships between various crocodile lineages and hints at the diverse lifestyles of ancient crocodilians.

Megalodon: A New Perspective

A recent study challenges previous assumptions about the size and shape of Megalodon, the largest shark known to science. Evidence suggests it may have had a longer and more slender body than previously thought. This new understanding prompts a re-evaluation of how this formidable predator may have hunted.

The Oldest Fossilized Reptile Skin

In an astonishing discovery, a fragment of fossilized skin from an early reptile, Captorhinus aguti, was unearthed in Oklahoma. Dating back between 298 to 286 million years, this skin sample is now recognized as the oldest known example of fossilized reptile skin.

A New Amphibian from Germany

In southwest Germany, scientists identified a new amphibian species, Stenokranio boldi, from fossil evidence found in a quarry. This top predator from the Eryopidae family lived between 305 and 295 million years ago, contributing to our understanding of ancient ecosystems.

Giant Marine Predators of the Past

Lastly, researchers unveiled a top marine predator from over 518 million years ago, Timorebestia koprii, found in North Greenland. Measuring over 30 cm (1 ft), this species is related to modern arrow worms and challenges previous perceptions of ancient marine ecosystems.