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Ancient Fossil Reveals South America's Role in Early Dinosaurs

7/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Around 250 million years ago, the Great Dying wiped out over 95% of marine life and 70% of land vertebrates. A newly uncovered fossil from Brazil, Itaguyra occulta, reveals that silesaurs were among the earliest dinosaurs, underscoring South America's pivotal role in the evolution of these magnificent creatures, tracing back to 237 million years ago.

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Story summary

Around 250 million years ago, the Great Dying wiped out over 95% of marine life and 70% of land vertebrates. A newly uncovered fossil from Brazil, Itaguyra occulta, reveals that silesaurs were among the earliest dinosaurs, underscoring South America's pivotal role in the evolution of these magnificent creatures, tracing back to 237 million years ago.