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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Dinosaur Fossils Unearthed in East China

TEHRAN, Dec 30 (FNA)- Paleontologists in east China unearthed more than 7,600 fossilized dinosaur bones, including the remains of an enormous platypus.

Scientists believe the discovery is one of the world's largest groups of fossilized dinosaur bones. The biggest fossil in the group measures 3.3 meters long and 2.3 meters wide.

"Over 7,600 fossils have been discovered so far in eastern Shandong Province and the number is climbing," said Zhao Xijin, head of the paleontology team.

A specialist cleans up an unearthed shank fossil of a dinosaur in east China.
A two meter skull of a large Ceratopsian was found to be the first such discovery outside of North America. Other new genera of Ankylosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, and Ceolurus were also found.

Paleontologists have discovered 15 areas in Shandong province that contain thousands of dinosaur bones. In an area measuring 300 meters by 10 meters, more than 3,000 bones were found

Latest studies revealed the fossils dated mainly from the Late Cretaceous of the Mesozoic Period, when dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago. "The discoveries are expected to contribute to research on the mystery of dinosaur extinction," Zhao said.

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