Emily Chan
Silesaurids and dinosaurs were both quadruped reptiles, but the silesaurids had traits like different cervical vertebrae.
“Its incipient fourth trochanter of the femur and three sacral vertebrae suggests a high diversity of locomotor strategies, which meant it was likely able to traverse any terrain it may have encountered. It also likely differentiated the species from others with similar features, giving it a possible niche,” according to Phys.org.
The fossil find is one of significance because it can reveal a world we can only imagine, helping to enhance scientists’ understanding of the anatomy and biology of creatures that lived during the Triassic period so they can piece together Earth’s evolutionary puzzle.
“The most important part of this finding is its age,” Muller said. “Because it’s so old, it gives us clues as to how dinosaurs came to be.”
Whether it’s a massive T.rex tooth or a small bone, every fossil has a story to tell. It’ll be exciting to see what researchers will learn about the evolution of these ancient beasts.
The study was published in the journal Gondwana Research.
