Paleontologists have discovered fossils of a duck-billed dinosaur, Minqaria bata, in Morocco, challenging long-held beliefs about dinosaur behavior, according to News.
The discovery shows that these species swam hundreds of kilometers between continents, challenging the widely held belief that dinosaurs were predominantly land-based.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, examines the intriguing link between Europe and Africa, claiming that the species traveled huge distances when Africa was an isolated island surrounded by water 66 million years ago. Previously, it seemed unthinkable for dinosaurs to swim such long distances.
This new duck-billed species, measuring three to four meters in length and weighing approximately 250 kg, calls into question our understanding of dinosaur capabilities. Three duck-billed species, similar to their European counterparts, have now been identified in North Africa.
Duck-billed dinosaurs, also known as hadrosaurids, first appeared in North America in the late Cretaceous epoch. They later crossed into Europe and Asia via connecting landmasses. However, Africa, which had previously been isolated, was thought to be beyond of reach for these creatures.
Dr. Nicholas Longrich of the University of Bath, a report’s co-author, believes that the duckbills floated or swam across huge open oceans, spanning hundreds of kilometers to reach North Africa. Despite the seeming improbability of such ocean crossings, the findings challenge prejudices, emphasizing that over millions of years, unusual events become likely.
The newly discovered species, Minqaria bata, has anatomical similarities to European duckbills, implying a spectacular trip across open waters.
Dr. Longrich argues that these dinosaurs could have been social animals, similar to modern birds, forming vibrant herds along the beaches of Morocco. The discovery defies conventional wisdom, showcasing dinosaurs’ dynamic and adaptable nature during the Cretaceous period, which spanned nearly 100 million years.
