The fossils of Chilesaurus diegosuarezi are generally similar in size to modern day turkeys, however isolated bones suggest they could grow up to three meters in length. (Image credit: Gabriel Lío)
A new species of dinosaur seemingly made up of parts from other dinosaurs, similar to the modern day platypus, has been found by seven-year-old Diego Suárez in Chile.
The species was named after Suárez, Chilesaurus diegosuarezi, and belongs to the theropod group of dinosaurs and is closely related to the Tyrannosaurus rex. However the Chilesaurus has a small skull and feet more similar to early long-neck dinosaurs and was herbivorous.
The new species shows that theropods evolved to eat a meat-free diet earlier than previously thought.
When the species was first discovered, it was initially thought several species had been uncovered. However, since the original find, four complete skeletons have been excavated.
The Chilesaurus is the one of the most extreme instances of convergent evolution, where several species develop similar physical characteristics through different paths.
Original research paper published in Nature on April 27, 2015.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
Fernando Novas, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “B. Rivadavia”, Buenos Aires, Argentina
