72 million year old duck-Billed Dinosaur found in Chile

Chile: Researchers have uncovered new fossil remains of a dinosaur belonging to the duck-billed species in Chile. 

The dinosaur, named Gonokokken nanoi, roamed the South American region approximately 72 million years ago.

The plant-eating dinosaur weighed nearly a ton and is estimated to have reached a length of 4 meters (13 feet). 

The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, are the result of a decades-long investigation into the remains of this herbivorous creature.

The name "Gonkoken" is a combination of two words from the language of the indigenous Aonikenk people, who inhabited Patagonia until the late 19th century. 

"Gon" translates to "similar" or "similar to," while "koken" means "wild duck" or "swan." 

The term "nanoi" honors Mario 'nano' Ulloa, a former rancher who provided crucial support to the research team during their initial discoveries.

The excavation, led by the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), took place in 2013 near the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia. 

Fragments of yellowish bones were unearthed at the base of a hillside, initiating a delicate process of extraction and preservation.

Lead author Jonathan Alarcon remarked, "Initially, we believed it belonged to the same group as other South American hadrosaurs, but as our study progressed, we realized it was something unprecedented."

Over 100 bone fragments were meticulously extracted, ensuring the preservation of each piece and avoiding damage to others. 

Paleontologists worked diligently to confirm that the fossils belonged to the same species and cross-checked their findings with existing data to establish this as a new type of dinosaur.

Study author Alexander Vargas noted that Gonkoken nanoi represents an older transitional lineage within the duck-billed dinosaurs, rather than an advanced form.

It serves as a crucial evolutionary link to more advanced species.

Utilizing the collected data and findings, scientists reconstructed a digital model of the dinosaur's skeleton. 

Plans are now underway to create a 3D print of the specimen for public display, allowing enthusiasts and the general public to marvel at this incredible discovery.

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