TLDR:
- Researchers have discovered a new species of dinosaur, named “Aquilops americanus,” in Montana.
- The dinosaur belonged to the ceratopsian family and has shed light on the early evolution of horned dinosaurs in North America.
In a groundbreaking discovery, a new species of dinosaur has been unearthed in Montana by a team of researchers. The dinosaur, named “Aquilops americanus,” belonged to the ceratopsian family and was about the size of a crow. This newly discovered species has shed light on the early evolution of horned dinosaurs in North America.
Palaeontologists discovered the fossilized remains of “Aquilops americanus” in the Cloverly Formation in Montana. The dinosaur’s name translates to “American eagle face” due to its distinctive hooked beak and its close relationship to other horned dinosaurs with similar features. The researchers believe that this discovery will help fill in the gaps in our understanding of the early evolution of ceratopsian dinosaurs.
One of the key features of “Aquilops americanus” is its enlarged nasal region, which is similar to that of later ceratopsian dinosaurs like Triceratops. This suggests that horned dinosaurs in North America were already quite diverse during the Early Cretaceous period. The researchers also found evidence that “Aquilops americanus” was an herbivore, adding to our knowledge of the feeding habits of early ceratopsians.
This discovery is significant because it provides valuable insights into the evolutionary history of horned dinosaurs in North America. By studying the fossilized remains of “Aquilops americanus,” researchers can learn more about the diversity and adaptation of ceratopsian dinosaurs during the Early Cretaceous period. This new species adds to our understanding of the complex ecosystem that existed millions of years ago and highlights the importance of continued paleontological research.
In conclusion, the discovery of “Aquilops americanus” in Montana has deepened our understanding of the early evolution of horned dinosaurs in North America. This new species provides important clues about the diversity and adaptation of ceratopsian dinosaurs during the Early Cretaceous period and highlights the importance of ongoing research in paleontology.
