A rare and unique green fossil dinosaur species is set to make its debut at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. This newly discovered sauropod species, named “Gnatalie,” is the only one found on the planet whose bones have a green coloration, according to museum officials. The dinosaur lived 150 million years ago in the late Jurassic Era, making it older than the well-known Tyrannosaurus rex.
The fossilized skeleton of Gnatalie received its distinctive green color from the mineral celadonite during the fossilization process. This is a rare occurrence as fossils are typically brown from silica or black from iron minerals. Celadonite forms in volcanic or hydrothermal conditions that can destroy buried bones, but in this case, it entered the fossils when volcanic activity around 50 to 80 million years ago replaced a previous mineral.
The discovery of this green dinosaur has sparked excitement among researchers and scientists. Luis M. Chiappe of the museum’s Dinosaur Institute expressed his enthusiasm, stating that dinosaurs are an excellent way to engage visitors in scientific discovery and reflect on the wonders of the world we live in. Matt Wedel, an anatomist and paleontologist, was amazed by the unique bones of Gnatalie, describing them as unlike anything he had ever seen.
Gnatalie is similar to a sauropod species called Diplodocus and will be the largest dinosaur on display at the museum. The discovery of this new species will be detailed in a scientific paper set to be published next year. John Whitlock, a researcher and teacher specializing in sauropods, emphasized the significance of having such a complete skeleton to enhance our understanding of taxonomic and anatomical diversity among dinosaurs.
The dinosaur was named “Gnatalie” through a public vote that included other options like Verdi, Olive, Esme, and Sage. This naming process engaged the community and connected the dinosaur’s green color to various cultural and natural references. The fossils of Gnatalie will be available for public viewing this fall in the museum’s new welcome center, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about this rare and fascinating dinosaur species.
In conclusion, the discovery of the green fossil dinosaur species Gnatalie at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles offers a valuable insight into prehistoric life and evolution. This remarkable find not only adds to our knowledge of dinosaur diversity but also showcases the beauty and complexity of the natural world millions of years ago. Visitors to the museum will have the chance to witness this extraordinary specimen up close and appreciate the wonder of scientific discovery.
