Gnatalie is an extraordinary new dinosaur discovery that has garnered significant attention due to its unique characteristics. Discovered in the Badlands of Utah in 2007, Gnatalie is a long-necked, long-tailed sauropod, similar to species like Diplodocus. What makes Gnatalie particularly special is its unusual green-colored bones, a rarity in the fossil record. This green hue is the result of a mineral called celadonite, which infiltrated the bones during fossilization, replacing an earlier mineral and giving Gnatalie its distinctive dark mottled olive green color.
The discovery was not only a scientific triumph but also a physical challenge, as researchers had to battle harsh conditions, including swarms of gnats, which inspired the dinosaur’s name, “Gnatalie.” The nearly 80-foot-long dinosaur is now one of the most complete sauropod skeletons ever found on the West Coast and is set to be a major attraction at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles.
Dr. Luis M. Chiappe, who led the team that discovered Gnatalie, emphasized the importance of such finds in engaging the public with science, saying, “Dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science, and what better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery?”
This discovery is not only significant for its rarity and completeness but also for what it adds to our understanding of sauropod diversity and anatomy (Natural History Museum) (CityNews Kitchener) (Hindustan Times).
On the Gnatalie…
An awe-inspiring discovery of colossal proportions is about to captivate the public’s imagination. A dinosaur skeleton, twice the size of a city bus, will soon be showcased in Los Angeles, featuring its distinctive green-hued bones.
Meet Gnatalie, the green-boned new species of dinosaur found in the Badlands of Utah.
Dr. Nate Smith of the Dinosaur Institute calls Gnatalie a “long-necked sauropod … an inbetweener.” pic.twitter.com/TcwMI6QNo2
— ABC News Live (@ABCNewsLive) August 14, 2024
The remarkable fossil, nicknamed “Gnatalie,” was unearthed by a dedicated team of paleontologists from a remote location in Utah. This discovery, dating back 150 million years, is considered the most complete long-necked dinosaur skeleton ever found on the west coast. The team’s efforts to excavate, recover, and assemble the bones have provided crucial evidence suggesting that Gnatalie may be a previously unknown species of herbivorous dinosaur.
Measuring over 75 feet in length, Gnatalie’s skeleton will soon be mounted and presented to the public at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The skeleton’s dark-green bones are not just visually striking but also tell a fascinating story of ancient Earth.
Unearthing Gnatalie in Utah
The journey to uncover Gnatalie began in 2007 when the fossils were first discovered in Utah’s Badlands. National Geographic played a significant role in documenting this arduous excavation process, collaborating closely with the Dinosaur Institute at the Natural History Museum. The skeleton’s discovery and reconstruction became the centerpiece of a National Geographic magazine issue, highlighting the meticulous work required to bring this prehistoric giant back to life.
As the team sifted through the remains embedded in tons of rock, it became clear that Gnatalie was no ordinary dinosaur. The skeleton they pieced together belonged to a group of sauropods, the same family as the well-known Brontosaurus and Brachiosaurus. These dinosaurs are characterized by their elongated necks and tails, small heads, and massive, pillar-like legs.
It’s a dinosaur re-creation here in Los Angeles – bone by bone – and you haven’t seen anything like it in about 150 million years! Thanks to National Geographic, ABC7 got a sneak peek at the new exhibit at the Natural History Museum. https://t.co/s6hJ1tQmCP pic.twitter.com/xIp17odDlZ
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) August 14, 2024
Scientists are now considering the possibility that Gnatalie might represent a new species within this sauropod family, adding yet another chapter to the story of dinosaur evolution.
The Mystery of the Green Bones
Gnatalie lived during the late Jurassic period, making it a contemporary of other ancient giants that roamed the Earth long before the fearsome Tyrannosaurus rex. The skeleton’s striking green bones, however, set it apart from other fossilized remains.
These green bones were preserved through the presence of the mineral celadonite, a result of unique geological conditions. Scientists believe that volcanic activity occurring between 80 to 50 million years ago triggered intense heat, causing this green mineral to replace an earlier one during the fossilization process. This rare phenomenon resulted in the extraordinary coloring of Gnatalie’s bones.
Viewing Gnatalie at the LA Museum
For those eager to witness this unique piece of prehistoric history, Gnatalie will be on display starting in November at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. The skeleton will be housed in the museum’s new welcome center, offering guests the opportunity to marvel at this ancient giant without even purchasing a ticket.
Dr. Luis Chiappe, the museum’s senior vice president for research and collections, played a pivotal role in leading the research and reconstruction efforts. Reflecting on the significance of this discovery, Dr. Chiappe noted, “Dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science. And what better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery and make them reflect on the wonders of the world we live in.”
Our new green dinosaur, Gnatalie, is featured in the September edition of @NatGeo! With photos by Craig Cutler, learn how scientists and artists transformed a jumble of bones entombed in rock into a towering dinosaur that will leave visitors wonderstruck: https://t.co/Iw06MvGle8 pic.twitter.com/ufRZIFud6A
— Natural History Museum of L.A. County (@NHMLA) August 13, 2024
This November, visitors to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles will have the rare chance to stand face-to-face with Gnatalie, a dinosaur like no other.
Major Points:
- Paleontologists unveil “Gnatalie,” a massive dinosaur with unique green bones, in Los Angeles.
- The skeleton, discovered in Utah, is believed to be one of the most complete long-necked dinosaur fossils on the west coast.
- Gnatalie may represent a new species of herbivorous sauropod from the late Jurassic period.
- The dinosaur’s green bones were preserved by the mineral celadonite during fossilization.
- Gnatalie will be displayed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles in November.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
