An antelope-sized dinosaur that grazed on plants and roamed South-East Asia some 145 million to 200 million years ago has been discovered in Thailand. The new species, named Minimocursor phunoiensis, was identified from a set of fossils unearthed in the Phu Kradung Formation in the north of the country, which has thrown up a wealth of specimens in recent years.
Sita Manitkoon, a researcher at Mahasarakham University in Thailand, and his colleagues analyzed the fossils for more than six years before concluding that they belong to a previously unknown dinosaur species. The team published their findings in a scientific journal.
Insights:
- The discovery of Minimocursor phunoiensis adds to the growing knowledge about dinosaur diversity and evolution in Southeast Asia.
- The fossils found in the Phu Kradung Formation have provided a wealth of information about the ancient creatures that inhabited this region.
- Studying these fossils for several years shows the dedication and meticulousness required in paleontological research.
- The naming of the new species, Minimocursor phunoiensis, reflects its characteristics and its geographical origin in Thailand.
