Oldest Embryos Dinosaur Fossil

Palaentolog has identified the oldest dinosaur embryos from a species that lived approximately 190 million years ago. Embryos are included on subbangsa dinosaur eggs called Massospondylus. 

This type is a member of a group of dinosaurs called prosauropods, the ancestors of the true sauropods, which has four big feet and long neck.

In fact, eggs have been found in South Africa since 1976, but only identified recently. The result of his own research published in the Journal of Vertebrate Palentology recently. In his research, the researchers succeeded in identifying the early development of the embryonic type of dinosaur.

Using the study of embryonic development, the researchers were able to estimate the shape of dinosaurs that when born. Through analysis, researchers say that the embryo is found it's actually about to be born. But because its mother died, she did not have the chance of birth.

Interestingly, the characteristics of the embryo is different from an adult dinosaur. When born, dinosaur species would have a longer front legs so that required him to walk on four legs, unlike the adult figure that walked on two legs. Head of the embryo also appeared out of proportion because it is too large when compared to their bodies. Though the figure of an adult has a relatively small head and long neck. Dinosaurs it seems to change with increasing age.

Ressz and Dr. Diane Scott, his assistant who was involved in the research, spend a few months to prepare the specimens. "The material is very fragile. It is very difficult to do and there is a risk of damage to the embryonic material is very old," said Dr Resiz on the BBC website. "The specimen is the oldest specimen owned and never touched by all the staff of the University of the Witwatersrand until we were interested in doing," said Reisz.

In his research note, they predict that when born, the embryo that will require care and protection of parents (parental care), just like humans. If the allegation is true, then this animal is an example of the oldest animal in need of parental care and protection.