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Researchers Make Discovery In Rio Grande Do Sul That Changes Understanding Of The Past. New Species Of Reptile 235 Million Years Old Is Discovered And Replica Can Be Seen In Museum.
A new paleontological discovery in Brazil has sparked the attention of the international scientific community. Researchers from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), in collaboration with Argentine colleagues, identified a new species of reptile based on a fossil found in the municipality of Santa Cruz do Sul, in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. At an impressive 235 million years old, the fossil represents an important link in understanding the fauna of the Triassic period and the origin of dinosaurs.
The find, published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports, reinforces the importance of Brazilian territory as one of the most relevant in the world for the study of prehistoric life. The new species of reptile has been named Itaguyra occulta, honoring the region of the find and the long period in which the fossil remained “hidden” in scientific collections before being studied in depth.
The Context Of The Discovery In Rio Grande Do Sul
The material consists of parts of the animal’s pelvic girdle — more specifically, the ilium and ischium, bones that make up the pelvis and aid in locomotion. The analysis revealed that the bones belong to a rare type of reptile from the group of silosaurids — animals considered close to dinosaurs, but still outside the group itself.
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This type of reptile lived during the Triassic period, shortly after the largest mass extinction in Earth’s history, which occurred about 252 million years ago. The researchers estimate that the animal measured about 1 meter in length and was herbivorous or omnivorous, indicating a relatively diverse diet. It walked on four legs and had a lightweight body structure, adapted to move in terrestrial environments and possibly open forests.
The Scientific Importance Of The New Species Of Reptile
The newly discovered species of reptile in Rio Grande do Sul significantly contributes to understanding the evolution of the first dinosaurs and their close relatives. Until recently, there was a gap in information about the animals that lived between 237 and 233 million years ago — a period known as the “Carnian gap.” The fossil of Itaguyra occulta fits precisely within this interval, providing valuable clues about the transition between primitive reptiles and the first true dinosaurs.
Moreover, the presence of this fossil in Brazilian territory helps confirm the hypothesis that the supercontinent Gondwana — of which South America was a part — was an important center for species diversification during the Triassic. Similar discoveries had already been made in Argentina, but this is the first time a silosaurid with these characteristics has been identified in Brazil.
The Role Of Brazilian Researchers
The individuals responsible for the discovery are experienced researchers from UFRGS, led by paleontologist Rodrigo Müller, one of the leading names in Brazilian paleontology today. The new species helps fill an essential gap in understanding the fauna of the middle and late Triassic, a period when dinosaurs began to dominate terrestrial ecosystems.
The researchers used computed tomography and comparative morphological analyses to determine that the bones belonged to a new taxon. The study also involved collaboration with specialists from the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing paleontology.
The name Itaguyra occulta combines indigenous and Latin terms: “Itaguyra” refers to the location of the discovery, while “occulta” means “hidden” or “concealed,” in reference to the long period during which the fossil remained unknown.
Disclosure And Exhibition Of The Fossil
To expand the reach of the discovery and spark the interest of the general public, a life-size replica of Itaguyra occulta has been installed at the Aristides Carlos Rodrigues Municipal Museum in Candelária (RS), one of the paleontology hubs in the state. The sculpture, created based on actual anatomical data, offers visitors an immersive visualization of what the animal was like in life.
The exhibition is part of an initiative to promote local science and showcase the relevance of paleontological research in the region. Rio Grande do Sul is known for its rich fossil record, with dozens of sites revealing extinct species from the Permian to the Cretaceous periods.
Furthermore, the disclosure of the new species in media and scientific journals contributes to strengthening the image of Brazilian paleontology on the global stage. Discoveries like this reinforce Brazil’s potential as a hub for relevant research on the history of life on Earth.
Itaguyra Occulta And The Mission To Reveal The Secrets Of The Earth
The identification of the new reptile species Itaguyra occulta represents a significant milestone in Brazilian and international paleontology. At approximately 235 million years old, the fossil preserved in Rio Grande do Sul provides crucial evidence about the fauna of the Triassic, a critical period for understanding the evolutionary transition that led to the emergence of dinosaurs. It is a key piece in reconstructing the puzzle of the history of life on the planet.
The discovery in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul strongly reinforces the importance of investing in science, preserving paleontological collections, and training qualified researchers. The find also highlights the invaluable worth of scientific collections maintained by Brazilian universities, such as the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), where the fossil remained stored for decades until being correctly identified through modern analyses.
Finally, the discovery of this new species invites us to reflect on the transformative role of science. The fundamental mission of paleontology is to reveal the hidden secrets beneath our feet — and each fossil recovered, studied, and shared expands our understanding of the diversity of life, past climate changes, and the evolutionary pathways that have shaped the Earth as we know it today.
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