**Achillesaurus: A Dinosaur from the Past**
Achillesaurus is a type of dinosaur that lived around 85 million years ago during a time called the Upper Cretaceous period. It was found in a place called Río Negro, Argentina, which was part of the ancient world back then.
**What is Achillesaurus?**
Achillesaurus is a part of a group of dinosaurs known as theropods, which are known for being bipedal, meaning they walked on two legs. More specifically, it belonged to a group called alvarezsaurids. This type of dinosaur is similar in some ways to a small, fast-moving creature that lived alongside other dinosaurs, like Alvarezsaurus.
**Discovery of Achillesaurus**
The first fossils of Achillesaurus were discovered in 1995. A team from the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales led by Dr. José F. Bonaparte found these remains in the Bajo de la Carpa Formation. This location is noted for its rich fossil deposits from the Santonian age.
The name “Achillesaurus” comes from Achilles, a character from Greek mythology, famous for having a weak heel. The name was chosen because scientists found important features in the fossil that resembled this idea of a weak spot. The species name “manazzonei” was given in honor of Professor Rafael Manazzone, an amateur paleontologist who helped researchers during their studies in Patagonia.
**What Did Achillesaurus Look Like?**
Achillesaurus was relatively large compared to some other small dinosaurs in its group. So far, only a few bones have been found, including parts of its spine, legs, and feet.
Scientists who studied Achillesaurus believe it may have been close to its relative, Alvarezsaurus, though there is some debate among paleontologists. Some experts think that Achillesaurus might not be a separate species and may be very similar to Alvarezsaurus, which makes them hard to tell apart.
In summary, Achillesaurus offers a glimpse into the variety of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago, helping scientists understand more about the past.