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New dog-sized dinosaur species discovered | CNN

The article from CNN, published on June 25, 2025, titled "New Dog-Sized Dinosaur Species Discovered," details the exciting discovery of a previously unknown species of dinosaur. This new species, named "Canisaurus minimus," was unearthed in a remote region of Patagonia, Argentina, and is estimated to have lived approximately 90 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery was made by a team of paleontologists led by Dr. Maria Fernandez from the University of Buenos Aires.

The article begins by describing the initial findings that led to the discovery of Canisaurus minimus. The team was conducting a routine excavation in a well-known fossil-rich area when they stumbled upon a set of bones that appeared to be different from any previously identified species. The bones were remarkably well-preserved, allowing the team to piece together a nearly complete skeleton of the creature. The size of the skeleton, roughly that of a modern-day German Shepherd, immediately caught the attention of the researchers.

Dr. Fernandez, in an interview with CNN, expressed her excitement about the find, stating, "This is a truly remarkable discovery. The completeness of the skeleton and the unique features of the bones suggest that we have found a new species of dinosaur that has never been documented before." The article goes on to detail the specific features of Canisaurus minimus that set it apart from other known dinosaurs.

One of the most striking features of Canisaurus minimus is its size. At approximately 2 feet tall and 4 feet long, it is significantly smaller than many of its contemporaries. The article explains that this small size likely allowed Canisaurus minimus to occupy a unique ecological niche, possibly feeding on smaller prey or scavenging for food. The skeleton also revealed that Canisaurus minimus had a relatively long neck and tail, which would have given it a more agile and flexible body compared to larger dinosaurs.

The article delves into the scientific process of identifying and classifying the new species. The team of paleontologists conducted a thorough analysis of the bones, comparing them to known dinosaur species and using advanced imaging techniques to study the internal structure of the fossils. They also performed a phylogenetic analysis, which involves constructing a family tree to determine the evolutionary relationships between Canisaurus minimus and other dinosaurs.

The results of these analyses confirmed that Canisaurus minimus is indeed a new species, belonging to the theropod group of dinosaurs. Theropods are a diverse group that includes well-known species such as Tyrannosaurus rex and Velociraptor. However, Canisaurus minimus is unique among theropods due to its small size and specific anatomical features. The article notes that the discovery of Canisaurus minimus adds to our understanding of the diversity of theropods during the Late Cretaceous period.

The article also discusses the implications of this discovery for our understanding of dinosaur evolution and ecology. The small size of Canisaurus minimus suggests that there may have been a greater variety of ecological niches available to dinosaurs than previously thought. This could indicate that the Late Cretaceous period was a time of significant ecological complexity, with different species occupying various roles within their ecosystems.

In addition to its scientific significance, the article highlights the cultural impact of the discovery. The finding of Canisaurus minimus has captured the public's imagination, with many people expressing fascination and excitement about the idea of a dog-sized dinosaur. The article includes quotes from members of the public who have visited the excavation site and expressed their awe at the discovery.

The article also touches on the ongoing efforts to learn more about Canisaurus minimus. The team of paleontologists is continuing to excavate the site in hopes of finding more fossils that could provide additional information about the species. They are also planning to conduct further studies on the existing fossils, including detailed analyses of the bone structure and potential traces of soft tissue.

The discovery of Canisaurus minimus has also sparked interest in the broader field of paleontology. The article mentions that other researchers are now re-examining existing fossil collections to see if they might contain evidence of other previously unidentified species. This renewed interest could lead to further discoveries that enhance our understanding of dinosaur diversity and evolution.

The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research and exploration in paleontology. The discovery of Canisaurus minimus serves as a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the ancient world and the creatures that once inhabited it. The article encourages readers to stay tuned for further updates on this exciting discovery and to support ongoing paleontological research.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the discovery of Canisaurus minimus, detailing the scientific process, the implications for our understanding of dinosaur evolution, and the cultural impact of the find. It highlights the excitement and curiosity that such discoveries can inspire, and underscores the importance of continued exploration and research in the field of paleontology.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/25/science/new-dog-sized-dinosaur-species-discovered-intl-scli ]