Paleontologists are always seeking new insights into Earth’s prehistoric past. Recently, a significant stride was made when researchers discovered a dinosaur species unique to Greenland that existed around 214 million years ago in the Late Triassic epoch.
The Discovery
Back in 1994, an excavation mission led by paleontologists from Harvard University in East Greenland led to the discovery of two remarkably preserved dinosaur skulls. Initially, one of these specimens was believed to be from a Plateosaurus, a well-known long-necked dinosaur species typically found in areas of Germany, France, and Switzerland. However, after thorough research and examination, it became clear that this specimen belonged to a previously unknown species, which has now been given the name ‘Issi Saaneq.’
About Issi Saaneq
Issi Saaneq was a medium-sized, long-necked dinosaur, regarded as a predecessor of sauropods, the largest terrestrial animals to have ever roamed our planet. While this newly-discovered species bears striking similarities to earlier dinosaurs like the Macrocollum and Unaysaurus from Brazil, it is unique among all other sauropodomorphs. Remarkably, Issi Saaneq was the first recorded sauropodomorph to have reached northern altitudes over 40 degrees.
The species’ moniker, ‘Issi Saaneq,’ translates to “cold bone” in the Inuit language, paying homage to its Greenlandic roots. The Inuit language represents the northeastern division of Eskimo languages and is predominantly spoken in regions of northern Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
Significance of the Discovery
Issi Saaneq existed during a vital period in Earth’s history, which makes the discovery tremendously significant. It offers researchers a new lens to view and comprehend the climatic variations of that epoch.
The uniqueness of Issi Saaneq, particularly its existence solely in Greenland, contributes valuable information about the range of Late Triassic dinosaurs. More importantly, it provides crucial insights into the evolution of sauropods. This discovery has opened up new avenues for understanding the evolution of plateosaurid sauropodomorphs, which were terrestrial herbivores and are considered the precursors to sauropods.
This discovery is a testament to the fact that many secrets of Earth’s hitherto unknown prehistoric past remain buried in the remotest corners of the world, and diligent exploration can enable us to uncover them. As researchers continue to probe into this Late Triassic epoch, each finding like Issi Saaneq brings us a step closer to comprehending the mysteries of dinosaur evolution.