Scientists have discovered the remains of seven carnivorous dinosaurs that travelled in packs throughout an area of southern Argentina nicknamed Jurassic Park, one of the palaeontologists said on Tuesday.
”This is a new type of carnivorous dinosaur, known as the Mapusaurus, that lived some 90-million years ago. Seven examples of different ages were found buried, which could suggest that they lived in packs,” said Argentine palaeontologist Rodolfo Coria, who made the discovery along with Canadian Philip Currie.
Coria said that, up to now, no one knew of any ”carnivorous animals of this size” — weighing six tonnes and standing 12 to 13m tall — that had a herd instinct.
He said it was only case of its kind in the entire world. Scientists had previously believed that the animals travelled solo, but the find in south-western Argentina’s Neuquen province for the first time revealed a sociable side to the creatures, which are believed to have hunted together.
About 22 sets of dinosaur remains have been found in the area over the years, including those of the Argentinosaurus, the world’s largest dinosaur.
The Mapusaurus was given its name in honour of the indigenous Mapuche people of southern South America. – Sapa-AFP