Daily Current Affairs : 12-August-2023

The world of paleontology has been set abuzz by the recent discovery of an ancient plant-eating dinosaur species in the Thar desert of western India. This newly identified dinosaur, named Tharosaurus indicus, provides valuable insights into the prehistoric past and adds a significant piece to the puzzle of dinosaur evolution.

Unveiling Tharosaurus Indicus

Tharosaurus indicus, believed to be around 167 million years old, derives its name from the Thar desert, its place of origin. This remarkable find includes fossilized remains of various parts of the dinosaur’s body, primarily the backbone (vertebrae), neck, trunk, tail, and ribs. What sets Tharosaurus apart are its unique features, notably the vertebrae with deep, elongated depressions on the sides and underside, as well as split neural spines that resemble spikes along the topmost sections of its backbone.

Dinosaur’s Place in Evolution

The discovery of Tharosaurus indicus offers researchers a glimpse into the evolutionary journey of these ancient creatures. Its positioning within the global family tree of dicraeosaurid sauropods is notable for its relatively primitive characteristics. Comparisons with its counterparts indicate that Tharosaurus showcases traits that mark an earlier stage in the development of this dinosaur lineage.

Connections through Time and Land

To better understand the significance of this discovery, we must delve into the geological history of the region. During the time when Tharosaurus roamed the Earth, India was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. This landmass was connected to various other regions, including South America, through land bridges facilitated by the existence of Madagascar and Africa.

The implications of these land connections are profound. Diplodocoid sauropods, to which Tharosaurus indicus belongs, could have taken advantage of these ancient paths to migrate across continents. The oldest known dicraeosaurid, predating Tharosaurus, was found in China and dated to approximately 166 to 164 million years old. This timeline suggests that the migration of these dinosaurs from India to Africa, South America, and eventually Europe and Asia through North America was plausible due to the interconnectedness of the continents during that era.

Important Points:


  • Unveiling Tharosaurus Indicus
    • New species named Tharosaurus indicus, around 167 million years old.
    • Fossils found in Thar desert, represented by backbone (vertebrae), neck, trunk, tail, and ribs.
    • Unique features: deep depressions on vertebrae sides, split neural spines resembling spikes.
  • Dinosaur’s Place in Evolution
    • Tharosaurus indicus provides insights into dinosaur evolution.
    • Positioned within global family tree of dicraeosaurid sauropods.
    • Notable for primitive characteristics compared to other sauropod counterparts.
  • Connections through Time and Land
    • Tharosaurus indicus found in Gondwana, when India was part of supercontinent.
    • Land connections through Madagascar and Africa linked India to South America.
    • Diplodocoid sauropods, including Tharosaurus, could migrate across continents.
  • Migration and Timeline
    • Oldest dicraeosaurid found in China, dated around 166 to 164 million years old.
    • Migration of sauropods from India to Africa, South America, Europe, and Asia possible due to ancient land connections.
    • Continents’ interconnectedness during Gondwana’s time allowed for migration.
Why In News

The oldest fossils of a plant-eating dinosaur have been unearthed in the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, shedding new light on the early herbivorous inhabitants of our planet’s history. These remarkable findings provide a unique glimpse into the ancient ecosystems that once thrived in the region, offering valuable insights into the dietary preferences and evolutionary adaptations of these early dinosaurs.

MCQs about Tracing the Origins of Tharosaurus Indicus

  1. What is unique about the fossilized remains of Tharosaurus indicus?
    A. It includes intact skin impressions.
    B. It contains preserved traces of dinosaur eggs.
    C. It features vertebrae with deep depressions and split neural spines.
    D. It displays evidence of advanced tool use by dinosaurs.
    Correct Answer: C. It features vertebrae with deep depressions and split neural spines.
    Explanation: The remains of Tharosaurus indicus have vertebrae with unique characteristics, including deep depressions on the sides and split neural spines resembling spikes.
  2. Which supercontinent was India a part of during the time of Tharosaurus indicus?
    A. Eurasia
    B. Gondwana
    C. Pangea
    D. Laurasia
    Correct Answer: B. Gondwana
    Explanation: India was a part of the supercontinent Gondwana during the time when Tharosaurus indicus lived.
  3. How did the land connections of Gondwana influence dinosaur migration?
    A. They facilitated migration from Europe to Asia.
    B. They allowed for migration from Asia to Africa.
    C. They enabled sauropods to move between India and South America.
    D. They led to the migration of carnivorous dinosaurs.
    Correct Answer: C. They enabled sauropods to move between India and South America.
    Explanation: The land connections of Gondwana allowed sauropods, including Tharosaurus indicus, to migrate between India and South America, contributing to their movement across continents.

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