A femur discovered in Zambia could well rewrite part of dinosaur history. This fossil, 225 million years old, belongs to a silesaur, a reptile closely related to dinosaurs.
Silesaurs, long considered minor players of the Triassic era, may in fact have played a much more significant role. The studied femur, measuring 27 centimeters (10.6 inches), is nearly twice as large as those of silesaurs previously discovered in the same region. This size suggests these reptiles were certainly more imposing than previously thought.
Reconstruction of a silesaurus in the foreground.
Image Wikimedia
Jack Lovegrove, a PhD student who led the study, explains that these findings challenge theories about the size of early dinosaurs. Fragmentary fossils of silesaurs and herrerasaurids, a group of primitive dinosaurs, indicate these animals could reach sizes far greater than what complete remains suggested.
Silesaurs, whose best-known representative is Silesaurus, were beaked bipedal reptiles, likely herbivorous or insectivorous. Their position in the dinosaur evolutionary tree remains debated among scientists. Some consider them primitive dinosaurs, while others see them as their closest relatives.
The discovery of this femur in the Natural History Museum's collections, over 50 years after its excavation, shows the importance of museums in fossil preservation. These institutions allow future generations of scientists to make new discoveries from old collections, often overlooked at the time of their acquisition.
Future research on silesaurs could not only clarify their relationship with dinosaurs but also reveal their impact on Triassic ecosystems. Their size and abundance suggest they may have been dominant herbivores in some regions, playing a much more significant ecological role than previously imagined.
What is the importance of silesaurs in dinosaur evolution?
Silesaurs hold a key position in understanding dinosaur evolution. Their anatomy shares characteristics with early dinosaurs, making them a pivotal group for studying dinosaur origins.
The debate about their classification reflects evolutionary complexities. Some features, like their jaw structure, bring them closer to ornithischians, a major dinosaur group. This could indicate an early diversification of dinosaurs.
The discovery of more complete fossils could help clarify these relationships. Meanwhile, silesaurs offer a unique glimpse into the earliest stages of dinosaur evolution, showing unexpected morphological and ecological diversity.
How do museums contribute to paleontology?
Museums play a crucial role in fossil preservation and study. Their collections serve as invaluable resources for scientists, enabling discoveries long after initial excavations.
The silesaur femur studied by Lovegrove is a striking example. Discovered in the 1960s, its importance only became apparent decades later. This shows how museums preserve paleontological heritage for future generations.
Beyond conserving fossils, museums facilitate research by providing access to specimens from around the world. They help understand past biodiversity and its evolution, offering puzzle pieces often overlooked at the time of discovery.