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Ancient Fossil of New Dinosaur Species Discovered in Mongolia

9/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

Scientists uncovered a complete fossil of a new dinosaur species, Zavacephale rinpoche, in Mongolia's Gobi Desert.
This fossil, the oldest and most complete pachycephalosaur, dates back 108 million years.
Found by paleontologist Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig's team, Zavacephale was a juvenile, measuring three feet long and weighing 13 pounds.
Its intact skull offers insights into dome-headed dinosaur evolution, though the purpose of the dome remains unclear.
This discovery deepens understanding of pachycephalosaur anatomy and evolution.

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Story summary

Scientists uncovered a complete fossil of a new dinosaur species, Zavacephale rinpoche, in Mongolia's Gobi Desert.
This fossil, the oldest and most complete pachycephalosaur, dates back 108 million years.
Found by paleontologist Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig's team, Zavacephale was a juvenile, measuring three feet long and weighing 13 pounds.
Its intact skull offers insights into dome-headed dinosaur evolution, though the purpose of the dome remains unclear.
This discovery deepens understanding of pachycephalosaur anatomy and evolution.