Paleontologists in Argentina have identified a new species of predatory dinosaur, named Joaquinraptor casali, which was discovered with a crocodile bone lodged in its mouth. This significant find, detailed in a study published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the megaraptoran family of theropods, known for their elongated skulls and powerful claws.

The fossils of J. casali were unearthed from the Lago Colhué Huapi Formation in Patagonia. The well-preserved remains include much of the skull, limbs, ribs, and vertebrae. The presence of a crocodile leg bone pressed against its lower jaws suggests that J. casali may have been an apex predator in its environment.

Researchers estimate that this dinosaur lived approximately 66 to 70 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. They believe the individual was around 19 years old at the time of its death, based on the analysis of its bone microstructure. The dinosaur is estimated to have been about 23 feet long and weighed over 2,200 pounds.

Lucio Ibiricu, a member of the research team from the Patagonian Institute of Geology and Paleontology, noted that the discovery fills a significant gap in the understanding of megaraptorans, which have been difficult to study due to incomplete fossil records. He stated, "This latest member of the megaraptoran clan fills a major gap by providing one of the most complete skeletons yet."

The findings suggest that J. casali thrived in a humid floodplain climate, as indicated by the sedimentary evidence. The discovery of the crocodile bone within the dinosaur's remains offers insights into its feeding habits and ecological role. Researchers hypothesize that J. casali and other megaraptorans were likely the dominant predators in their region.

The study highlights the need for further research to better understand the ecological role and behavior of J. casali, as well as the broader implications for the megaraptoran lineage, which went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period along with other non-avian dinosaurs.