According to Sci-News, Australian paleontologists “struck gold” when they unearthed some almost complete remains of the extinct Diprotodon beast.
| Remains of extinct beasts in Australia – Photo: WEST AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM |
Although it was a marsupial, Diprotodon had a completely different body than today’s marsupials: shoulder height was about 1.8 m, body was 4 m long, and weighed about 2.8 tons.
This size makes it as big as an Asian elephant.
According to Dr. Alec Coles, Executive Director of the Western Australian Museum and lead author of the study, Diprotodon is an extinct beast, related to koalas. “They are the largest marsupial that has ever existed,” said Dr. Cole.
Although giant, they are gentle herbivores.
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| Portrait of an ancient beast when it was alive and wandering on the grasslands of ancient Australia – Graphic photo: Nellie Pease |
Working with nearby mine operator CITIC Pacific Mining, paleontologists unearthed extremely well-preserved Diprotodon skeletons from the Du Boulay Creek site, on the Fortescue River floodplain. .
These individuals were located very close together at the excavation site, including both adults and juveniles.
This suggests they may be related, members of a herd that was on a major migration route in ancient times.
The skeletons now have partially exposed skulls, jaws and teeth, while the rest of the body remains stuck in the hard rock.
The excavation was carried out hastily because once the fossils were exposed, they were easily destroyed by seasonal floods.
Scientists believe that there will be many more interesting discoveries after the precious Diprotodon remains are brought back, as well as after they undergo the careful and time-consuming process of being separated from each other. stone.