Imagine waking up one fine day, only to find out that one of the most colossal creatures to have ever walked the Earth once resided in your backyard. That’s exactly what happened to a man from the city of Pombal in Portugal, while carrying out some construction work in his garden back in 2017. He stumbled upon fragments of fossilized bones that resembled those of an enormous dinosaur!
Upon this remarkable discovery, the man promptly contacted researchers from the University of Lisbon, who began unearthing the vertebrae and ribs of what they believe to be a brachiosaurid sauropod – a herbivorous, long-necked quadrupedal dinosaur. Earlier this month, the gigantic, 39-foot-tall saurian, quite possibly the largest of all dinosaurs and the biggest land animal to have ever lived, was confirmed to have roamed the area during the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 160 to 100 million years ago.
Given the natural position in which the skeleton was found, paleontologists are hopeful that further excavation may uncover more parts of the same dinosaur. “It is not common for all of an animal’s ribs to be preserved in this condition, much less in their original anatomical position. This preservation method is relatively uncommon in the fossil record of dinosaurs, especially saurapods, from the Portuguese Upper Jurassic,” stated Elizabeth Malafaia, a Graduate Researcher from the University of Lisbon.
The saurapod’s ribs were astonishingly preserved in their original anatomical position, a rare occurrence in the fossil record of dinosaurs. The fossils were discovered in Upper Jurassic sedimentary rocks, suggesting that they are approximately 150 million years old.
“This discovery confirms that the region of Pombal has an important fossil record of Late Jurassic vertebrates, which in the last decades has provided the discovery of abundant materials very significant for the knowledge of the continental faunas that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula at about 145 million years ago,” added Malafaia.
While the initial excavation has unearthed remarkable remains, parts of the fossilized specimen are yet to be treated in a laboratory to remove all the sediments. Once that process is completed, further studies will be conducted to accurately identify and prepare the dinosaur’s remains for exhibition.
This incredible find has stirred excitement and fascination among researchers and dinosaur enthusiasts worldwide. It offers a glimpse into the distant past, allowing us to marvel at the wonders of prehistoric life that once roamed our planet. The discovery underscores the significance of preserving and studying fossils, which provide valuable insights into Earth’s ancient history and the magnificent creatures that once inhabited it.
As the excavation and research continue, scientists hope to unlock more secrets hidden within the dinosaur’s remains. The newfound specimen will undoubtedly contribute to the ever-evolving understanding of our planet’s ancient inhabitants, enriching our knowledge of the diverse and awe-inspiring creatures that once walked the Earth.
This remarkable discovery serves as a testament to the importance of exploration and curiosity in unraveling the mysteries of our past. It reminds us that even in our own backyards, we may stumble upon ancient marvels that shape our understanding of life’s incredible journey through time. As scientists and enthusiasts work together to study and preserve these fossils, we can look forward to uncovering more astonishing tales of the past and marvel at the prehistoric giants that once roamed the lands we now call home.