博客

In July 2026, researchers in Thailand’s Kalasin Province announced a significant palaeontological breakthrough: the identification of a new dinosaur species from the Late Jurassic period. Named Uragasaurus kalasinensis, this herbivorous giant inhabited Southeast Asia approximately 150 million years ago. Measuring up to 20 metres in length—roughly equivalent to the length of a professional cricket pitch—the creature’s massive size has captivated the international scientific community.

The discovery took place at the Phu Noi excavation site, an area whose potential was first recognised in 2008. At the time, a local resident stumbled upon fragments that bore a resemblance to serpent scales. Subsequent investigations revealed that over 90 percent of the fossils recovered from this location belong to dinosaurs, making it an invaluable resource for researchers. Had it not been for the meticulous exploration of the site, this particular species might never have been documented and would have remained hidden forever.

The key to identifying Uragasaurus lay in a dorsal vertebra, or back bone, which underwent detailed analysis through CT scanning. This advanced imaging allowed scientists to observe unique physical characteristics that distinguish it from other known dinosaurs. Specifically, the specimen features a Y-shaped arrangement of supporting bones alongside a distinct air-cavity structure. Dr. Apirat Nilphanaphan, who headed the study, expressed extreme excitement upon realising that these features were unlike anything seen before in the fossil record.

This new species belongs to the Mamenchisauridae family, a group of sauropods characterized by their exceptionally long necks. While such dinosaurs are commonly associated with China, this marks the first instance of a member of this family being discovered in Thailand. These long-necked giants were adapted to consume vegetation at various heights, giving them a competitive advantage when feeding. This find follows the identification of the Nagatitan earlier in the year, currently the largest dinosaur discovered in Southeast Asia. These consecutive discoveries suggest that the region still holds many secrets regarding prehistoric life.

1. What is the main purpose of the article?

• A.To explain why dinosaurs in Thailand were larger than those in China.
• B.To report on the discovery and unique features of a new dinosaur species.
• C.To describe the history of fossil hunting in the Kalasin Province.
• D.To compare the Nagatitan with the recently found Uragasaurus.

2. What led to the initial investigation of the Phu Noi site?

• A.A professional team of palaeontologists began a planned dig.
• B.The discovery of a nearly complete dinosaur skeleton by researchers.
• C.A local person found items that looked like the scales of a snake.
• D.Heavy rain exposed a large dorsal vertebra in the northeast region.

3. What does the text suggest about the feeding habits of Uragasaurus?

• A.They were able to access food sources that other animals could not.
• B.They preferred to eat small animals found in the tall trees.
• C.They competed with the Nagatitan for the same types of low plants.
• D.Their diet consisted mostly of aquatic plants found in Thai rivers.

4. How did Dr. Nilphanaphan react to the findings of the CT scan?

• A.He was concerned that the specimen was too damaged to analyze.
• B.He was thrilled to find characteristics that proved it was a new species.
• C.He was surprised that the bone structure was identical to Chinese fossils.
• D.He was disappointed that the dinosaur was smaller than the Nagatitan.

5. The word ‘distinguish’ in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to:

• A.differentiate
• B.strengthen
• C.illustrate
• D.transform