Scientists in Argentina have discovered a new herbivore that munched on plants 90 million years ago. This two-legged dinosaur, named Chakisaurus nekul (meaning “swift old guanaco” in indigenous languages), was a speedy runner with a strange twist – its tail curved downwards unlike most dinosaurs.
Chakisaurus nekul wasn’t a giant, reaching only about 3 meters long. It lived in Patagonia during the Late Cretaceous period. This discovery, from the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, adds to our understanding of the fascinating creatures that roamed this region millions of years ago.
The downward-curving tail is a peculiar feature for this type of dinosaur. Scientists theorize it, along with Chakisaurus nekul’s speed, might have been a clever way to avoid becoming lunch for the predators it shared its territory with.