Dunstanetta facts for kids

Dunstanetta johnstoneorum is the name of an extinct duck that once lived in New Zealand. It is known only from fossil bones. This special duck lived during a time called the Miocene epoch, many millions of years ago.

Scientists discovered this ancient duck by finding its fossilized bones. These bones tell us a lot about what the duck might have looked like and where it lived.

What Was Dunstanetta?

Dunstanetta johnstoneorum was a type of duck. It is part of a group of animals called a genus, which is a way scientists group similar living things. This particular duck is the only known species in its genus, meaning no other ducks quite like it have been found.

Scientists learned about this duck from a single fossil bone. This bone was a part of its left wing, called a humerus. Even from just one bone, experts can figure out a lot about an animal, like its size and how it might have moved.

Where Did This Ancient Duck Live?

The fossil of Dunstanetta johnstoneorum was found in the South Island of New Zealand. Specifically, it was discovered in a place called Home Hills Station, located in the Manuherikia River valley in the Central Otago region.

This area is famous for its many fossils. It is part of what scientists call the St Bathans fauna. This "fauna" is a collection of fossils from many different animals that lived together in this region during the Miocene period. It shows us what New Zealand was like millions of years ago.

How Did Dunstanetta Get Its Name?

The name Dunstanetta johnstoneorum has a special meaning. The first part, Dunstanetta, comes from the Dunstan Range. These are mountains that stand tall over the area where the fossil was found. It's like naming an animal after a famous landmark nearby.

The second part of the name, johnstoneorum, is a way to honor people. It was chosen to thank Ann and Euan Johnstone. They are the owners of Home Hills Station, the land where this important fossil was discovered. Scientists often name new species after the people who helped find them or who supported their research.

Life in the Miocene Period

The Miocene epoch was a long time ago, roughly 23 to 5.3 million years ago. When Dunstanetta johnstoneorum was alive, New Zealand was a very different place. The climate was generally warmer than it is today.

The area where the duck lived was likely a mix of forests and wetlands. There would have been lakes and rivers, perfect for ducks and other water birds. The St Bathans fauna fossils show that many unique animals lived in New Zealand during this time, including other birds, bats, and even crocodiles! Studying these fossils helps us understand how life on Earth has changed over millions of years.