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Paleontologists discover a fossilized marine crocodile skull in Vaca Muert

Sakege November 4, 2024

Paleontologists from Argentina have discovered fossil remains of marine animals in the province of Neuquén, in the southwest of the country. Among the significant finds is the skull of a marine crocodile, unearthed in the rocks of the Vaca Muerta formation, now known for its oil activity. The findings were the result of two days of work by specialists from the Cultural Heritage area of Neuquén and the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) in the northern part of the province.

According to a report from the provincial government, these findings corroborate that waters from the Pacific Ocean entered this territory millions of years ago, with indications of a sudden marine entry about 150 million years ago. Today, the territory is separated from Chile and the sea by the Andes Mountains. The Government of Neuquén reported that these discoveries “corroborate the entry of waters from the Pacific Ocean into Neuquén territory millions of years ago.”

As part of their work at the Pampa Tril site, experts found remains of other ichthyosaurs, fish, oysters, ammonites and the remarkable skull of a marine crocodile. In 2022, paleontologists had already rescued fossil remains of an ichthyosaur column at this same site. Now, just meters away from that find, these new discoveries shed more light on the ancient marine ecosystems that once thrived in the area.

Mateo Gutiérrez, one of the experts who leads the team of paleontologists, stated that “the skulls can give us anatomical information that allows us to have an overview of the diversity of these animals in the past.” He pointed out that “between Chos Malal and Andacollo, rocks from the Los Molles formation were observed, which were deposited in a period of 165 to 180 million years ago and reveal the first marine income from the Pacific Ocean in the Neuquén Basin, leaving layers with fossils. of marine origin.” He highlighted: “This is a relevant finding, considering that there is not much record of marine reptiles in this geological unit and this would be the first record of ichthyosaurs for this locality.”

The same group of researchers managed to partially rescue the remains of a marine reptile from the ichthyosaur group in the Los Molles formation, near the Chacay Melehue stream, also in the north of Neuquén. Ichthyosaurs were completely adapted to life in the open sea and looked similar to modern fish or dolphins. Given the discovery of marine fossils, rock samples were taken to perform micropaleontological analyzes that will help determine the age of the remains.

Micaela Chaumeil Rodríguez, from the Institute for Research in Paleobiology and Geology (IIPG), stated that “it is not unusual to find ichthyosaur vertebrae and ribs in some marine geological formations in the Neuquén basin, but the presence in this unit and the possibility of finding Others Elements of the skeleton justify the rescue of the rest of the animal that is still buried.

The work had the logistical support of personnel from Squadron No. 30 of the National Gendarmerie of Chos Malal, highlighting the importance of inter-institutional collaboration for the protection of heritage. In addition, the efforts were part of actions carried out by the Ministry of Human Development, Local Governments and Women for the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Neuquén.

These important discoveries not only provide valuable information about the prehistoric marine life that once inhabited the region, but also reinforce the understanding of geological events, such as the entry of waters from the Pacific Ocean into the territory of Neuquén millions of years ago. The findings contribute to the broader paleontological knowledge of marine reptiles and the history of the Neuquén Basin.

Sources: Flora and fauna, Página/12, Clarín

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq.