Historic flooding unearths rare dinosaur skeleton in Brazil

A rare dinosaur skeleton was found after erosion from severe flooding in Brazil. 

Paleontologists found an almost complete Herrerasauridae dinosaur in May, possibly ranking as the second-most complete specimen of its kind in the world, according to the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria.

Scientists in Brazil discovered the skeleton of a dinosaur in May. (Credit: Rodrigo Temp Muller / Janaina Brand Dillmann / CAPPA - UFSM via Storyful)

RELATED: Rare white bison calf spotted in Yellowstone National Park could fulfill prophecy

This rare dinosaur measured around 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length and is expected to receive more examinations to determine whether it’s part of a known species or is a discovery.

The scientists estimated that the fossils are 233 million years old, the university noted.

Scientists in Brazil discovered the skeleton of a dinosaur in May. (Credit: Rodrigo Temp Muller / Janaina Brand Dillmann / CAPPA - UFSM via Storyful)

RELATED: Remarkable fossil shows dinosaur, mammal forever frozen in epic battle

Recent extreme rainfall sped up decay in the region, resulting in the appearance of new fossils from rocks. 

Scientists in Brazil discovered the skeleton of a dinosaur in May. (Credit: Rodrigo Temp Muller / Janaina Brand Dillmann / CAPPA - UFSM via Storyful)

This story was reported from Washington, D.C. 







 

Offbeat & UnusualWorldScienceNews