148-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossil Discovered in Portugal

Paleontologists in Portugal have discovered a dinosaur fossil approximately 148 million years old in the Torres Vedras region, north of Lisbon. Researchers believe this find could be the most complete dinosaur fossil ever found in the country.

The fossil belongs to an Ankylosaurian dinosaur, a group known for its heavy bone armor. The individual discovered measured about 2.5 meters long and is preliminarily assessed to have been in a juvenile or subadult stage.

The skeleton, extending from a partial skull to the tip of the tail, has been found largely articulated and in a prone position (belly-down). This preservation posture is considered rare, as most dinosaur fossils are found lying on their sides.

Researchers suggest the dinosaur may have died at the discovery site, rather than being transported by water, which would further enhance the fossil's preservation rarity. Fossil evidence of Ankylosaurians from the Late Jurassic period in continental Europe is currently believed to be scarce and primarily found in Portugal.