Strange giant ducks lived in Australia 50,000 years ago

Strange giant ducks lived in Australia 50,000 years ago. An animal that was not dangerous to the first humans.

l'Australia A large land in many ways. There is a wide variety of flora and fauna. And in the past, that was exactly the case. In 1893, in the south of the country, a paleontologist discovered A strange bird fossil. Its reconstruction reveals an animal no less than two meters tall and weighing around 240 kilograms. Its morphology resembled that of the emu, but was much larger, more conspicuous, and flightless. Geniornis newtoni, from its scientific name, explored the continent's land about 50,000 years ago. So he would have been contemporary with the first humans to appear in the region.

Strange giant ducks lived in Australia 50,000 years ago

If we knew this animal existed, it would be appropriate for experts to place it on the evolutionary tree. It can connect with existing species. Unfortunately, things were more difficult with this single fossil because the skull, which is often the key component in linking a specimen to a specific evolutionary lineage, was in such poor condition. But it is noteworthy that science never gave up. For more than a century, paleontologists have been trying to find the skull Geniornis newtoni In excellent condition. A team from Flinders University recently made this incredible discovery. A new skeleton was found in the Gallabona Lake area with a well-preserved skull. This makes it possible to connect Geniornis newtoni For the tromornithid group, the animals are directly related to our ducks, swans, and ducks.

A safe animal for the first humans

Thanks to these different fossil remains, researchers were able to digitally model the animal, allowing the general public to get a better idea of ​​its appearance. Its beak resembles that of our geese, but much larger, and, therefore, it suggests Geniornis newtoni Must have fed mainly on soft fruits and young shoots, or aquatic plants. A large creature, of course, but harmless to humans. Who Said There Are Only Ghosts In Australia?