Australian scientists discover two new species of long-necked aquatic dinosaurs (Figure)

A newly discovered dinosaur species, painted by an artist (Photo: Australian Star Island Daily)

Chinanews.com, July 28, 2006 – According to a report from the Singapore Island News, scientists at the University of Adelaide in Australia have uncovered evidence that the Australian continent was once part of the Antarctic Circle and was covered by a prehistoric sea. This discovery led to the identification of a new type of ancient dinosaur, offering valuable insights into how ancient wildlife adapted to climate shifts.

The two newly discovered long-necked dinosaurs are named UMOONASAURUS and OPALLIONECTES. Their appearance resembles the legendary “Loch Ness” monster, and they belong to the plesiosaur group, which roamed the Earth around 115 million years ago. These creatures were aquatic dinosaurs, living in what is now Australia’s arid regions but once was a cold, icy ocean.

A team led by paleontologist Dr. Benjamin Kear analyzed 30 opalized dinosaur fossils found in the Coober Pedy area, leading to the discovery of these two new species. Dr. Kear stated that both plesiosaur species are entirely new to paleontology. Australia had no previous records of aquatic dinosaurs, making this find especially significant.

These animals lived in an environment similar to modern-day Antarctica. Dr. Kear noted that there was little evidence before of marine reptiles existing in such cold climates. UMOONASAURUS, measuring about 2.4 meters in length, is known as the "Jurassic-era killer whale" due to its sleek body and hunting habits. The name comes from the local Aboriginal term for the Coober Pedy region, "Umoon."

OPALLIONECTES, on the other hand, was much larger—about six meters long—with sharp, needle-like teeth ideal for hunting squid and small fish in the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean. These findings have sparked excitement among Australian scientists, as they offer a unique opportunity to study how ancient ecosystems responded to climate change.

Dr. Kear emphasized that these plesiosaurs lived in an icy ocean around 111.5 million years ago. However, as the planet warmed over the next five million years, their habitat disappeared. “What we’re studying is how animal life reacted to climate change,” he said. “This is a crucial issue we still face today.”

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