What is Igai semkhu?

Sept. 9, 2023

A new genus and species of titanosaurian dinosaur being named Igai semkhu has been recently described by researchers from Midwestern University, USA.

About Igai semkhu:

  • It belongs to a diverse group of long-necked plant-eating dinosaurs called Titanosauria.
  • Igai semkhu roamed the earth during the Campanian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch, approximately 75 million years ago.
  • The group is known for large body sizes, long necks and wide stance. It includes species ranging from the largest known terrestrial vertebrates to ‘dwarfs’ no bigger than elephants.
  • Igai semkhu constitutes one of the most informative dinosaurs yet recovered from the latest Cretaceous of Afro-Arabia.

What is Cretaceous epoch?

  • It is the third and final period of the Mesozoic Era, which is often referred to as the "Age of Dinosaurs."
  • The Cretaceous Epoch lasted from approximately 145 million years ago to about 66 million years ago, making it one of the longest geological epochs.
  • Mass Extinction:
    • The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event marks the end of the Cretaceous Epoch.
    • It occurred around 66 million years ago and resulted in the extinction of approximately 75% of Earth's species, including the non-avian dinosaurs.
    • This event is believed to have been triggered by a combination of factors, including the impact of a large asteroid or comet and massive volcanic activity.