Paleontologists in Argentina have unearthed a 70-million-year-old dinosaur egg in the Patagonia region, stunning scientists with its exceptional preservation. The fossilized find could provide unprecedented insight into dinosaur reproduction during the Late Cretaceous period.
Discovered on the arid plains of Río Negro in northern Patagonia, the dinosaur egg is nearly identical in size and shape to that of a modern ostrich. Researchers believe it belonged to a Bonapartenykus, a small carnivorous theropod that once roamed the area. Experts say it is among the most intact dinosaur eggs ever recovered in South America.
“Eggs from predatory dinosaurs are extremely rare,” explained Gonzalo Muñoz, a paleontologist at the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences. “They were fewer in number and had thinner shells, making them less likely to survive fossilization. Finding one so well preserved after millions of years is remarkable.”
While previous excavations in Patagonia have uncovered fossilized eggs, few have remained in such pristine condition. Early examinations suggest that the newly discovered dinosaur egg may even hold traces of embryonic tissue, prompting researchers to conduct high-resolution imaging to confirm the presence of any preserved material inside.
The discovery took place during Cretaceous Expedition I, an ongoing research mission studying ancient ecosystems in northern Patagonia. Alongside the egg, the team found mammal teeth and snake vertebrae, indicating that the site may have been a nesting ground millions of years ago.
A video shared by expedition leader Federico Agnolín captured the moment the egg was found lying on the surface. The post, shared on Instagram, hinted that multiple eggs were recovered in the same area, potentially the first such cluster discovered in South America.
The fossil has been transferred to the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences for detailed study. If embryonic remains are confirmed, scientists say it could mark a milestone in paleontology, deepening understanding of dinosaur reproduction and early development.
“This discovery connects us directly with the ancient world,” Muñoz added. “It gives us a clearer picture of how these creatures nested, evolved, and survived in their environment.”
The find has drawn international attention, with paleontologists worldwide awaiting further analysis to uncover what secrets the fossilized egg might reveal.