Oldest dinosaur fossils discovered in Morocco
A groundbreaking discovery in Morocco has unveiled the oldest Cerapodan dinosaur fossils, dating back an astonishing 174 million years. This finding, unearthed in the rocky terrain of El Mers III, near Boulemane, has the potential to transform our understanding of these massive herbivorous creatures. Previously, the only known fossil from this era was a solitary thigh bone found in the United Kingdom.
The excavation was led by experts from Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, in collaboration with the UK's Natural History Museum, with their findings published on March 12. Although the fossil remains are not complete, researchers assert that they confirm Morocco was home to some of the earliest herbivorous dinosaurs ever documented. Notably, the same site also reveals some of the world's oldest ankylosaurus and stegosaurus fossils.
In their early existence, Cerapodans were bipedal, using their front limbs to forage for food. Over time, some species evolved to become quadrupedal, developing robust chewing mechanisms that positioned them as the dominant plant-eaters of their time.
Researchers indicate that these dinosaurs diverged into two primary groups: Ornithopods, which included duck-billed dinosaurs, and Marginocephalians, known for their distinctive cranial features. The fossils discovered in Morocco are classified within the Ornithopods, marking a significant milestone in the narrative of dinosaur evolution.
This remarkable find suggests that the Middle Jurassic period was crucial for the ascent of these colossal creatures, challenging previous assumptions about the timeline of their dominance in the prehistoric ecosystem.
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