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The oldest dinosaur? A Middle Triassic dinosauriform from Tanzania
Sterling J Nesbitt1, Paul M Barrett, Sarah Werning
1Burke Museum and Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. sjn2104@u.washington.edu
Biology Letters
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Nyasasaurus parringtoni, an early dinosaur relative, suggests dinosaurs originated 15 million years earlier than previously thought. This discovery points to a southern Pangaean origin for dinosaurs and their relatives.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Vertebrate Evolution
- Mesozoic Era
Background:
- The origin and early diversification of dinosaurs are poorly understood.
- Dinosauria's rise is a significant event in vertebrate history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe Nyasasaurus parringtoni, a potential early dinosaur or its closest relative.
- To reassess the timing of dinosaur origins and early diversification.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis of Nyasasaurus parringtoni fossils.
- Comparative anatomy with known early dinosaurs and archosauriforms.
- Phylogenetic bracketing to infer evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- Nyasasaurus parringtoni exhibits a mix of dinosaurian and non-dinosaurian traits.
- Nyasasaurus shows evidence of rapid growth, similar to early dinosaurs.
- Fossil evidence suggests dinosaurs and their relatives emerged from a broader Middle Triassic archosauriform radiation.
Conclusions:
- Nyasasaurus parringtoni may be the earliest known dinosaur or its sister-taxon.
- The origin of Dinosauria likely occurred over a longer period, possibly starting 15 million years earlier.
- The African origin of Nyasasaurus supports a southern Pangaean origin for Dinosauria.
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