Paleontologists' nest egg discovered in Patagonia
( 2003-12-18 15:41) (Xinhua)
At least 5,000 dinosaur egg remains including those of a species thought to
be unknown have been found in Patagonia, southern Argentina, a local newspaper
reported Wednesday.
The paleontologists were quoted by the daily Clarin as saying they had found
at least 5,000 shell pieces nearly 70 million years old, and a nest in "perfect
conservation" near the city of Lamarque.
The nest, the report said, also contained 15 to 18 eggs each about 12
centimeters in diameter.
Lamarque Museum Director Daniel Cabaza said among the discoveries, the most
valuable was a strange egg, which "belongs to unknown species and could open a
threshold to new studies".
Paleontologists believe the eggs belonged to at least two kinds of sauropods,
four-legged herbivores commonly of large size.
They believe the discovery will lead to the recognition of a species
inhabiting the region, its way of reproduction and nest
distribution.
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