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News Release 17-035 - Video

Scientists Discover Oldest Cousin to the Dinosaur

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The creature named Teleocrater rhadinus is a carnivorous animal living more than 245 million years ago during the Triassic Period, before dinosaurs. Recently unearthed in southern Tanzania, the creature was approximately seven to 10 feet long, with a long neck and tail. The NSF-funded international team of scientists led by Virginia Tech was surprised to find that rather than walking on two legs, this creature walked on four legs like a crocodile!

Credit: NSF/Virginia Tech

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