Dinosaurs 'were sociable'
2006-04-19 14:39
Buenos Aires - The remains of seven carnivorous dinosaurs have been discovered in southern Argentina, but what makes these dinosaurs so unusual, said paleontologists, is that these prehistoric reptiles travelled in packs.
Argentine paleontologist Rodolfo Coria, and Canadian Philip Currie, discovered the dinosaurs in an area paleontologists have nicknamed "Jurassic Park".
Coria said: "This is a new type of carnivorous dinosaur, known as the Mapusaurus, that lived some 90 million years ago.
"Seven examples of different ages were found buried, which could suggest that they lived in packs."
Coria said that, up to now, no one knew of any "carnivorous animals of this size" - weighing six ton and standing 12 to 13m high - that had a herd instinct.
Previously, scientists believed dinosaurs travelled solo.
The find in Argentina's Neuquen province has revealed a sociable side to the creatures.
Paleontologists believe the Mapusauruses hunted together.
Twenty-two sets of dinosaur remains have been found in the area, including those of the Argentinosaurus, the world's largest dinosaur.