Imagine a time when the earth was teeming with life, and dinosaurs roamed the landscape. One such dinosaur, Chakisaurus, thrived in what is now Argentina. This fascinating creature lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 90 million years ago. Chakisaurus nekul, a medium-sized herbivore, was a remarkable example of nature’s adaptability and resilience.
Described as late as in 2024, this dinosaur has provided us with a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant ecosystems of the past. Its unique physical characteristics and the environment it inhabited paint a vivid picture of life during the Late Cretaceous Period. Let’s delve deeper into the world of Chakisaurus and uncover the secrets of this incredible dinosaur.
Chakisaurus Key Facts
| Keyword | Fact |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | chah-kee-saw-rus |
| Meaning of name | Elder Guanaco Lizard |
| Group | Ornithopoda |
| Type Species | Chakisaurus nekul |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| When it Lived | 99.6 to 89.3 MYA |
| Period | Late Cretaceous |
| Epoch | Middle Cenomanian to Early/Lower Turonian |
| Length | Approximately 8.2 feet |
| Height | Approximately 2.3 feet at the hips |
| Weight | Approximately 55.0 pounds |
| Mobility | Moved on two legs |
| First Discovery | unknown |
| Described by | 2024 by Rodrigo Alvarez Nogueira, Sebastián Rozadilla, Federico Agnolín, Jordi Garcia Marsà, Matias Motta and Fernando Novas |
| Holotype | MPCA Pv 816 |
| Location of first find | Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, Argentina |
Chakisaurus Origins, Taxonomy and Timeline
Chakisaurus, derives its name from the Aonienk language – ‘Chaki’ meaning ‘elder guanaco’. The guanaco is a type of camelid native to South America. The specific name ‘nekul’ roots into the Mapudungun language and means ‘swift’. Those languages are natives from Chile and Argentina. This highlight the rich cultural and scientific heritage associated with this discovery.
In terms of classification, Chakisaurus is an ornithopod, a group of bipedal herbivorous dinosaurs. It belongs to the Elasmaria and the type species for this genus is Chakisaurus nekul.
Chakisaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, specifically from the Middle Cenomanian to the top of the Early/Lower Turonian Epochs, approximately 99.6 to 89.3 million years ago. This era was marked by significant geological and climatic changes, providing a dynamic backdrop for the evolution and diversification of dinosaurs. Understanding the timeline of this dinosaur helps us appreciate the evolutionary journey that led to its unique adaptations.
Discovery & Fossil Evidence
The fossils of Chakisaurus were discovered in the Huincul Formation, at the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, which used to be known as the Violante Farm locality, near Ezequiel Ramos-Mexía Lake in northwest Río Negro Province, Argentina. This area is famous for its rich fossil beds, where many ancient creatures have been found. The initial discovery of Chakisaurus included various bones that belong to a couple of individuals.
The holotype, an adult individual, is labeled as MPCA Pv 816, and includes parts of the backbone, a section of the hip bones, twelve tail vertebrae, part of a haemal arch (a bone structure near the tail), parts of the left femur (thigh bone) and fibula (leg bone), parts of the right tibia (shin bone) and calcaneus (heel bone), and two toe bones from the fourth digit. These bones were well-preserved, allowing scientists to study Chakisaurus in detail. Additionally, three more specimens were found about 1,600.0 feet away from the main specimen. Two of those are juvenile specimens.
The first of these additional specimens, labeled MPCA Pv 822, comes from a juvenile (young) dinosaur and includes five vertebrae from the middle of the back, a left upper arm bone, and the lower parts of both thigh bones. The second specimen, MPCA Pv 823, also from a juvenile, includes the top part of a right forearm bone. The third specimen, MPCA Pv 813, includes eight vertebrae from the middle of the back, parts of two ribs, parts of two haemal arches, the bottom part of a right forearm bone, a toe bone from the fourth digit, and a toe claw from either the second or fourth digit. An extra neck vertebra, possibly the fourth one, labeled MPCN Pv 846, was also identified as belonging to Chakisaurus.
Chakisaurus Size and Description
Short Description of Chakisaurus
Chakisaurus was a medium-sized herbivorous dinosaur with a unique physical appearance. Its body was streamlined, with a relatively small head and a long, flexible neck. The vertebrae were robust, supporting its agile frame, while its limbs were well-developed for swift movement. Chakisaurus had a distinctive tail that curved downward, unlike the horizontal tails of many other dinosaurs, which likely aided in balance and maneuverability.
The study of its forelimb and hindlimb anatomy suggest that Chakisaurus was bipedal, similar to other elasmarian of similar sizes. Bigger taxa tend to be quadrupedal, with a humerus morphology suggesting graviportal habits.
Size and Weight of Type Species
The type species, Chakisaurus nekul, measured approximately 8.2 feet in length and stood about 2.3 feet tall at the hips. This size was relatively modest compared to some of its contemporaries, but it was perfectly adapted to its lifestyle. Weighing around 55.0 pounds, Chakisaurus was lightweight, which complemented its need for speed and agility.
Different estimates based on the fossil record suggest slight variations in size, but the overall dimensions remain consistent. The streamlined body and lightweight structure were key factors in its survival, allowing it to thrive in a predator-rich environment. These physical characteristics also indicate that Chakisaurus was well-adapted to a life of constant movement and foraging.
The Dinosaur in Detail
Chakisaurus had several unique features that set it apart from other dinosaurs of its time. Its most notable trait was its downward-curved tail, which helped it maintain balance and move quickly. The publication from 2024 mentioned that he tail was likely protonic, meaning it curves downwards. This tail, along with its strong back legs, made Chakisaurus an excellent runner, helping it escape from predators.
Its bones were both strong and lightweight, allowing Chakisaurus to be fast and agile. This dinosaur had a body built for speed and endurance, with robust vertebrae and limb bones that supported a life of constant movement. One autapomorphic trail that set Chakisaurus appart from other elasmarian is that the proximal end of the fibula has a deep lateral fossa. However, despite the presence of several anatomical characteristics, the phylogenetic analysis did not gave a precise position for Chakisaurus among other ornitopods. It is placed in a irresolution with Morrosaurus, Mahuidacursor, Macrogryphosaurus, Kangnasaurus and Anabisetia. All, with Talenkauen, are elasmarian iguanodontids.
The recovered fossils of Chakisaurus have also given scientists valuable insights into its growth. Juvenile fossils show different stages of development, helping us understand how these dinosaurs grew up. Unlike some of its relatives, Chakisaurus did not show signs of walking on all fours. Its unique downward-curved tail and running adaptations made it similar to some fast-moving theropods, showcasing its specialized role in its ecosystem.
Contemporary Dinosaurs
Living alongside Chakisaurus were several fascinating dinosaurs, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem. One of its contemporaries was Mapusaurus, a large and formidable theropod predator. Significantly larger and more powerful than Chakisaurus, Mapusaurus posed a constant threat. This ever-present danger likely drove Chakisaurus to develop its remarkable speed and agility as essential survival traits.
Sharing the same era was Skorpiovenator, another theropod from the Huincul Formation. The presence of both Skorpiovenator and Mapusaurus meant that herbivores like Chakisaurus had to stay vigilant. The need to evade these predators underscored the importance of Chakisaurus’ swift movements, as being quick and agile was crucial in such a predator-rich environment.
Among the giants of this landscape was Argentinosaurus, one of the largest known dinosaurs, and probably one of the largest animals of all time. This colossal herbivore dominated the vegetation, consuming vast amounts of plant material. In contrast, Chakisaurus likely focused on more accessible and less competitive food sources. This division in diet among herbivores highlights the diverse strategies used by different species to coexist, each finding its niche in the complex web of life that thrived during the Late Cretaceous Period.
Interesting Points about Chakisaurus
- Unique Tail: Chakisaurus had a distinct downward-curved tail, a feature that helped it maintain balance and enhanced its agility, making it well-adapted for quick movements.
- Speedy Runner: This dinosaur was known for its speed, using its swift running abilities to evade predators like Mapusaurus and Skorpiovenator, which shared its habitat.
- Name Origins: The name “Chakisaurus” is a blend of indigenous and Greek languages, with “chaki” meaning “elder guanaco (South Aemrican camelid)” in the Aonienk language
- Time Period: Chakisaurus roamed the earth during the Late Cretaceous Period, roughly between 99.6 and 89.3 million years ago, a time when the landscape was teeming with diverse dinosaur species.
- Growth Insights: Fossils of juvenile Chakisaurus have provided valuable insights into its growth and development, helping scientists understand the various stages of its life cycle and how it matured over time.
Chakisaurus in its Natural Habitat
Chakisaurus thrived in a diverse and dynamic environment during the Late Cretaceous Period. It inhabited the region known as the Huincul Formation, which consists of yellowish and greenish fine- to medium-grained sandstones, sometimes tuffaceous. This area, located at the southeast margin of Ezequiel Ramos-Mexía Lake in northwest Río Negro Province, Argentina, was a warm climate teeming with lush vegetation. The landscape was dotted with forests and open plains, providing ample food sources for herbivorous dinosaurs like Chakisaurus.
As a herbivore, Chakisaurus’ diet mainly consisted of low-lying plants, ferns, and possibly small shrubs. Its strong jaws and teeth were well-adapted to efficiently process plant material, allowing it to thrive in a competitive environment. The presence of other large herbivores, such as Argentinosaurus, suggests a complex ecosystem with various dietary niches. This diversity in plant-eating dinosaurs indicates that Chakisaurus likely focused on more accessible vegetation, avoiding direct competition with the larger herbivores.
Chakisaurus probably lived in small groups or herds, a common behavior among herbivorous dinosaurs to increase protection against predators. Its keen senses, including sharp vision and hearing, were essential for detecting danger and finding food. These social behaviors and sensory adaptations played a crucial role in its survival, allowing Chakisaurus to navigate through dense foliage and evade predators like Mapusaurus and Skorpiovenator. The rich fossil record of the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, which includes a diverse vertebrate assemblage of turtles, crocodiles, and various dinosaurs, provides a vivid picture of the vibrant ecosystem in which Chakisaurus lived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chakisaurus means “Elder Guanaco Lizard,” a name derived from the Aonienk
language, where “chaki” means “elder guanaco (type of camelid)” and the Greek word “saurus,” meaning “lizard.”
Chakisaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, roughly between 99.6 and 89.3 million years ago (Cenomanian-Turonian).
The fossils of Chakisaurus were discovered in the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, located in northwest Río Negro Province, Argentina.
Chakisaurus measured about 8.2 feet in length and stood approximately 2.3 feet tall at the hips, with an estimated weight of around 55.0 pounds.
As a herbivore, Chakisaurus primarily fed on low-lying plants, ferns, and possibly small shrubs, utilizing its strong jaws and teeth to efficiently process plant material.
Chakisaurus had a distinctive downward-curved tail that aided in balance and agility. It also had strong hind limbs for running and a lightweight body structure, making it well-adapted for speed and quick movement to evade predators.
Sources
The information in this article is based on various sources, drawing on scientific research, fossil evidence, and expert analysis. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of Chakisaurus.
Article last fact checked: Joey Arboleda, 07-17-2024
Featured Image Credit: UnexpectedDinoLesson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
