**Alnashetri: An Extinct Dinosaur**
Alnashetri is a type of dinosaur that lived around 97 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. It was found in Argentina, specifically in a place called La Buitrera in the Río Negro Province.
**What We Know About Alnashetri**
This dinosaur is part of a group called theropods, which are typically small, bipedal dinosaurs. The scientists who discovered Alnashetri, Peter J. Makovicky, Sebastián Apesteguía, and Federico A. Gianechini, described it in 2012. The name “Alnashetri” comes from the Tehuelche language and means “slender thighs,” referring to its long and thin legs.
The only species of Alnashetri identified so far is called Alnashetri cerropoliciensis. The discovery of this dinosaur came from finding a few leg bones, including parts of its femur and tibia, which helped scientists learn about its structure.
**Where It Was Found**
Alnashetri’s remains were discovered in a formation called the Candeleros Formation. This area is known for containing many small vertebrate fossils, meaning it was once home to various small animals.
**Unique Features**
Alnashetri was quite small compared to other dinosaurs. It had special features in its leg bones that made it different from other dinosaurs. For example, its tibia had a distinct ridge that set it apart. This unique structure helped scientists place Alnashetri in the dinosaur family tree.
**Relation to Other Dinosaurs**
Alnashetri is part of a group called Alvarezsauroidea. It was found to be a basal member of this group, meaning it shares some traits with its relatives but is one of the earlier forms within the family tree. Scientists are still studying its exact placement among dinosaurs.
In summary, Alnashetri is a fascinating extinct dinosaur that lived millions of years ago. Its slender body and distinct leg features make it a unique part of the dinosaur family known as theropods.