Many people are curious about dinosaurs, creatures that roamed the earth more than 70 million years ago. Now, some scientists in Argentina might have discovered something extraordinary.
Keep reading to know more.
Scientists in Argentina have discovered an ancient egg that they believe is more than 70 million years old. The egg is a perfectly preserved prehistoric relic found in the Rio Negro, near General Roca, Patagonia.
The team from Argentina’s Museum of Natural Sciences has been incredibly excited about their latest discovery.
In a livestream, the team behind the discovery was amazed at the condition of the egg, with one commenting, “It was so well preserved that it looked recent.”
“We’ve never seen anything like it, we’ve never seen an egg so well preserved,” they added.
There are a few markings around the oval artefact that gave them a sign about the ancient origins of the egg. The team found the egg during the scientific mission dubbed Cretaceous Expedition I, which was led by Argentina’s National Council for Scientific and Technical Research.
Now, people around the world, both in the scientific community and beyond, are excited about the massive find. Currently, it is believed the egg came from a carnivorous Bonapartenykus genus, which is in the family of long-legged, bipedal dinosaurs. This dinosaur was once found in the Rio Negro Province in the late Cretaceous period.
Scientists also found remains of other reptiles and ancient mammals near the egg. This supports the theory that the area may have served as a nesting ground at some point in ancient history.
In an interview with National Geographic, Gonzalo Muñoz said, “It was a complete and utter surprise. It’s not common to find the egg of a possible carnivorous dinosaur, much less in that state.”
He added, “The happiness was spectacular for the team.”
The scientific team’s happiness stems from the fact that carnivorous dinosaur eggs, in particular, are rare discoveries given their fragility in nature.
“They’re much more delicate eggs,” he shared, “with thinner shells that are more likely to be destroyed.”
As for whether the Jurassic Park storyline could be real, that depends on whether the egg contains embryonic material.
Muñoz shared, “An embryo is a very delicate animal, and its preservation is more complex. Although the egg was preserved complete, we don’t know if the embryo was there and died, or if it was an egg that didn’t have an embryo.”
If embryonic material is discovered within the egg, it could be a major breakthrough in science.
After tests on the egg are completed, it will be displayed in a local museum in Patagonia.
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