1. What is Tharosaurus Indicus?
Tharosaurus Indicus is a newly identified species of sauropod dinosaur, discovered in India’s Thar Desert. It dates back to the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 167 million years ago.
2. Who discovered Tharosaurus Indicus?
This significant discovery was made by a joint team of scientists from IIT-Roorkee and the Geological Survey of India.
3. Why is this discovery important?
The discovery of Tharosaurus Indicus is notable because it’s India’s first diplodocoid sauropod find. The fragments of its neck, trunk, and tail are older than similar fossils found in China, making it the earliest known record of dicraeosaurs and diplodocoids.
4. What does the fossil reveal about the dinosaur?
The partial skeleton suggests that Tharosaurus Indicus was smaller compared to most sauropods, measuring around 15 meters in length with a shorter neck and tail.
5. How does Tharosaurus Indicus compare to other sauropods?
Unlike its larger relatives like the Diplodocus and Brontosaurus, Tharosaurus Indicus was smaller and had distinctive physical features such as a shorter neck and tail.
6. What era did Tharosaurus Indicus live in?
It lived during the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous period, a time frame spanning from 145 million to 100 million years ago.
7. What is the significance of the Thar Desert in paleontology?
The Thar Desert has emerged as a significant site for paleontological discoveries, shedding light on the diverse range of dinosaurs that once inhabited the region.
8. What does this discovery tell us about sauropod evolution?
The discovery of Tharosaurus Indicus offers new insights into the evolution of sauropods, particularly in terms of size, habitat, and geographical distribution during the Middle Jurassic period.
9. Will there be further research on Tharosaurus Indicus?
Yes, further research is expected to continue, which may reveal more details about its biology, ecology, and its role in the ecosystem during the Jurassic period.
10. How does Tharosaurus Indicus contribute to our understanding of prehistoric life?
This discovery adds a crucial piece to the puzzle of dinosaur evolution and diversity, especially in the Indian subcontinent, and helps in understanding the global distribution of sauropods during the Jurassic era.
