History
72-million-year-old 'dragon' unearthed in Japan
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An unprecedented predator
The discovery of a new marine predator like Megapterygius wakayamaensis is certainly exciting for the scientific community. Each new species discovered helps us expand our knowledge of the history of life on Earth and better understand how prehistoric ecosystems functioned. I look forward to learning more about the distinctive features of this predator and how it fit into the marine ecosystem of the Cretaceous period.
Mythological tribute
It’s interesting to note how scientists often choose names that reflect the nature or characteristics of a newly discovered species. The name “Megapterygius wakayamaensis” seems to have a built-in mythological homage, evoking both the majesty and mysterious nature of dragons from legend. This practice not only adds a touch of creativity and poetry to science, but also helps to highlight the cultural and historical significance of paleontological discoveries.