A new dinosaur species has been identified in Argentina, providing important knowledge about prehistoric life. Fossils were discovered in the Lago Colhué Huapi Formation in Patagonia and were dated to around 66 to 70 million years ago, near the end of the Cretaceous period. The dinosaur, named Joaquinraptor casali, belonged to the megaraptorans, a group of carnivorous dinosaurs known for long skulls and powerful claws. Researchers from the Patagonian Institute of Geology and Paleontology reported that the animal was about 23 feet in length and was one of the most complete skeletons of its kind. Specialists stated that this discovery helps explain how megaraptorans developed in South America, Australia, and Asia over millions of years. The research was published in Nature Communications.

Examination of the fossils included bones from the skull, arms, legs, and tail. Scientists also observed a front leg bone pressed against the jaws of an ancient crocodilian relative, suggesting that the dinosaur may have hunted or eaten such reptiles. This evidence raised questions about whether megaraptorans were dominant predators or if they fed more opportunistically. The specimen was estimated to be at least 19 years old when it died, although the reason for its death remains unknown. The study leader, paleontologist Lucio Ibiricu, named the species after his late son Joaquin. Experts described the find as highly valuable for understanding predator behavior and food chains in ancient floodplain environments.