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Scientists have discovered a rare cluster of ten dinosaur eggs estimated to be around 150 million years old on the cliffs of Santa Cruz Beach in Torres Vedras, Portugal. The remarkable find offers new insights into life during the Upper Jurassic period. The nest was identified by researcher Carlos Natário from the Centre for Research in Paleobiology and Paleoecology (Ci2Paleo), which operates under the Torres Vedras Natural History Society. Researchers believe the discovery could improve understanding of dinosaur reproduction and the ancient ecosystems that once existed in the region.

Ancient Dinosaur Nest Found on Portugal’s Coast

The fossilised nest was located inside sandstone cliffs along Santa Cruz Beach in the Lisbon district. Researchers identified ten small eggs preserved together in what appears to be their original nesting position. In many fossil discoveries, dinosaur eggs are scattered because of floods, erosion, or geological changes. However, these eggs remained grouped in place, indicating they were not disturbed after being laid. The surrounding sandstone suggests the nest was originally formed on a sandy riverbank where sediment quickly covered and protected the eggs.

Insights Into Jurassic-Era Reproduction

The structure and position of the nest suggest the dinosaur intentionally chose the riverbank environment as a nesting site. The sandstone’s grainy texture indicates the eggs were laid on soft sand, allowing them to be gradually buried by sediment soon after deposition. Because the site shows little evidence of strong water movement, the eggs were able to remain undamaged and preserved together. This exceptional state of preservation provides researchers with valuable information about dinosaur nesting behaviour during the Jurassic era.

CT Scans Allow Scientists to Study Eggs Safely

After being recovered, the sandstone block containing the eggs was carefully transported to the Torres Vedras Natural History Society’s laboratory. Scientists are now examining the fossils using advanced CT scanning technology. This technique enables a “virtual excavation,” allowing researchers to view detailed three-dimensional images of the eggs without physically breaking the surrounding rock. The scans may reveal embryonic remains and provide important information about the eggshell structure.

Possible Clues About the Dinosaur Species

Researchers are still studying the eggs to determine which dinosaur species laid them. Initial observations of the shell structure indicate that the eggs may have belonged to a carnivorous theropod dinosaur. Each egg measures roughly five centimetres in diameter. Their organised placement within a three-dimensional nest pattern is consistent with nesting behaviour often associated with meat-eating dinosaurs, offering further clues about how these ancient animals reproduced.

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