Researchers in Utah have made an exciting new discovery in the world of paleontology – a dinosaur known as Fona herzogae, believed to have been a burrowing species. Unearthed by a team from North Carolina State University, this small plant-eating dinosaur dates back to the Cenomanian age, approximately 100-66 million years ago. Described by researcher Haviv Avrahami as a creature resembling a mix between a Komodo dragon and an ostrich, Fona provides a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life.
Published in The Anatomical Record this month, the findings from Avrahami and his team shed light on the relatively unknown world of small, plant-eating dinosaurs. Measuring around seven feet in length, comparable to the size of former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal lying down, Fona challenges previous perceptions of dinosaur size and anatomy.
Beyond its physical characteristics, researchers suspect that Fona was also a burrowing dinosaur, spending a portion of its life underground. This unique behavior adds to the mystery surrounding the lifestyle and habits of small, herbivorous dinosaurs like Fona. Avrahami highlights the importance of understanding these lesser-known species in piecing together the puzzle of how they lived, ate, and interacted with one another.
In a touching tribute, Fona was named after Avrahami’s mother’s birthplace, Guam, drawing inspiration from ancestral creation mythology. The story of Fo’na and Pontan, a brother and sister spirit, closely mirrors the life of the dinosaur Fona, adding a deeper cultural significance to the discovery. Avrahami sees parallels in how Fona was found in a burrow, reflecting a connection to familial bonds and preservation within the earth.
Looking ahead, Avrahami and his team hope that the discovery of Fona will pave the way for further insights into the life of this unique burrowing dinosaur. By unraveling the mysteries of the past, researchers aim to paint a vivid picture of the world inhabited by Fona millions of years ago.