Historic flooding unearths rare dinosaur skeleton in Brazil

A rare dinosaur skeleton was found after erosion from severe flooding in Brazil. 

Paleontologists found an almost complete Herrerasauridae dinosaur in May, possibly ranking as the second-most complete specimen of its kind in the world, according to the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria.

Scientists in Brazil discovered the skeleton of a dinosaur in May. (Credit: Rodrigo Temp Muller / Janaina Brand Dillmann / CAPPA - UFSM via Storyful)

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This rare dinosaur measured around 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) in length and is expected to receive more examinations to determine whether it’s part of a known species or is a discovery.

The scientists estimated that the fossils are 233 million years old, the university noted.

Scientists in Brazil discovered the skeleton of a dinosaur in May. (Credit: Rodrigo Temp Muller / Janaina Brand Dillmann / CAPPA - UFSM via Storyful)

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Recent extreme rainfall sped up decay in the region, resulting in the appearance of new fossils from rocks. 

Scientists in Brazil discovered the skeleton of a dinosaur in May. (Credit: Rodrigo Temp Muller / Janaina Brand Dillmann / CAPPA - UFSM via Storyful)

This story was reported from Washington, D.C.