Discovered 'doomsday demon' monster bird, weighing 230 kg

According to Science Alert , scientists have just found the skull of a mysterious bird species, representing ancient Australia full of giant bird monsters.

It's Genyornis newtoni, described by the team as the "demon duck of the apocalypse."

Portrait of a bird monster recreated based on a fossil skull - Photo: FLINDERS UNIVERSITY

This is the second skull of Genyornis newtoni recorded, intact, even with joints.

The first skull that gave the species its name in the paleontological record was excavated in 1913 but was so badly damaged that it did not fully describe the bird.

New research reveals that Genyornis newtoni was a very majestic bird, reaching up to 2.25 m tall and weighing around 230 kg, although its head and neck looked like a demonic version of a fat duck or goose.

Fossils show that it had a massive skull, large jaws, and a triangular bony crest called a casque on its skull, very different from its close relatives.

"Genyornis newtoni had a high, mobile upper jaw like a parrot but was shaped like a goose, had a wide mouth opening, a powerful bite and the ability to crush soft plants and fruits on the palate," co-author Phoebe McInerney from Flinders University (Australia) described.

3D scanning to recreate the bird's likeness also revealed how it evolved to adapt to its habitat in the area.

Its ear structure evolved to protect itself from water when it submerged its head. Its beak structure provided similar protection for its throat, while its beak shape was adapted for grasping and tearing aquatic plants.

If true, these features may help explain why this bird became extinct: By 45,000 years ago, freshwater environments had become salty, significantly disrupting ecosystems and depriving the creature of a favorable food source.

Scientists hope to find more fossils of Genyornis newtoni to learn more about it.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/uc-phat-hien-quai-dieu-ac-quy-ngay-tan-the-nang-230-kg-172240606061827123.htm