A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have made an exciting discovery, uncovering the remains of a new species of aetosaur named Garzapelta gallinari. These prehistoric creatures, which are ancestors of modern crocodiles, roamed the Earth around 215 million years ago during the Triassic period.
The findings, recently published in the journal The Anatomical Record, provide valuable insight into the characteristics and environment of these ancient beings. The fossils, which were discovered in Garza County in northwest Texas, reveal a well-preserved dorsal shell that has allowed researchers to study important features of the creature from its neck and shoulders to the tip of its tail.
Lead researcher William Reyes, a doctoral student at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences, explained that Garzapelta gallinari bears similarities to both crocodiles and armadillos due to its bone armor. The name “Garzapelta” comes from Garza County, where the fossils were found, and the Latin word “pelta,” meaning shield, highlighting the aetosaur’s well-protected nature.
The discovery of this new species is especially significant due to its unique osteodermal plates and distinctive markings on the bones. The research team honored paleontologist Bill Mueller, who initially discovered the aetosaur skeleton, by naming the species after him. The study also confirmed the classification of Garzapelta gallinari through comparisons with other ancient aetosaurs, revealing both similarities and unique traits that set it apart.
Reyes emphasized the importance of sharing these findings with the public, highlighting the remarkable nature of these “walking tanks” that existed millions of years before the well-known ankylosaurian dinosaurs. The study of Garzapelta gallinari sheds new light on the diversity of prehistoric creatures and continues to expand our understanding of the Earth’s ancient past.