Brazil discovers traces of many dinosaur species in the Amazon region

A group of scientists from the Federal University of Roraima (UFRR) of Brazil recently announced the first discovery of fossilized footprints of many dinosaur species in the Amazon region.

These fossils, dating back about 110 million years, were discovered in ancient rock layers in the town of Bonfim, Roraima state, northern Brazil.

According to geology professor Vladimir de Souza, who co-ordinated the research, which has been carried out for the past 14 years, giant dinosaurs taller than 10m left footprints in the area, alongside smaller tracks that may have belonged to Velociraptor species.

The team identified traces of at least six different dinosaur genera and estimate that the area was home to more than 20 species during that period.

Along with animal remains, scientists also found plant fossils, including remains of conifers, flowering plants and ferns.

According to anthropologist Carlos Vieira, this result shows that the area underwent major ecological changes, contributing to the strong diversification of plant species during the Cretaceous period.

This discovery confirms the special paleontological value of this area because in the Brazilian Amazon it is rare to find intact dinosaur fossils.

The main reason is that the geology of this area is mostly young sediments, formed after the extinction of dinosaurs (after 66 million years ago). The humid climate, dense forest soil, and strong erosion make it difficult to expose ancient rock layers containing fossils.

The research team proposed the establishment of a geopark in Bonfim to preserve this rare relic, while promoting scientific tourism and further research on the biological history of the Amazon region in Brazil./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/brazil-phat-hien-dau-vet-cua-nhieu-loai-khung-long-o-vung-amazon-post1074351.vnp