Scientists have discovered a new dinosaur species, Tameryraptor markgrafi, from photographs of fossils that were destroyed in WWII bombing. The species, which lived in North Africa during the Cretaceous period around 95 million years ago, measures 30 to 33 feet long and had distinctive features such as a nasal horn. The fossils were originally excavated in Egypt and studied in the 1930s, but were lost in the war, leaving behind only photographs and sketches. Recently uncovered images led researchers to classify this dinosaur as a unique species, correcting its earlier misidentification.
What we saw in the historical images surprised us all. The dinosaur differed significantly from known species, indicating it was a unique species we propose to call Tameryraptor markgrafi.
The find is significant not just for the identification of a new species but also for highlighting how war can inadvertently impact scientific discovery and documentation.
Tameryraptor markgrafi lived in North Africa around 95 million years ago and featured a unique nasal horn and symmetrical teeth for predation.
This discovery showcases the resilience of paleontological research, as key evidence emerged from archival images, turning a war's destruction into a new scientific discovery.
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