Miotadorna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Miotadorna sanctibathansi |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Miotadorna
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| Species: |
sanctibathansi
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Miotadorna sanctibathansi was an extinct duck that lived a very long time ago in New Zealand. It belonged to a group of ducks called shelducks. Scientists found its fossil remains, which helped them learn about this ancient bird.
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Meet Miotadorna sanctibathansi, the Ancient Duck
Miotadorna sanctibathansi was a type of duck that is no longer alive today. It was part of the shelduck family, which includes large, goose-like ducks. This ancient bird lived millions of years ago in what is now New Zealand.
When and Where Did This Duck Live?
This special duck lived during a period called the Miocene epoch. This was about 19 to 16 million years ago! Its fossil remains were found in the South Island of New Zealand. Specifically, they were discovered near the Manuherikia River in a place called Central Otago.
The fossils came from an area known as the Saint Bathans Fauna. This name refers to a collection of ancient animals whose remains were found together. These discoveries help scientists understand what New Zealand was like millions of years ago.
How Do We Know About This Duck?
Scientists learned about Miotadorna sanctibathansi from a single fossil bone. This bone was a right humerus, which is the main bone in a bird's upper wing or arm. Finding even one bone can tell experts a lot about an extinct animal.
The fossil was found in a rock layer called the lower Bannockburn Formation. This formation is part of a larger group of rocks known as the Manuherikia Group. These rock layers are like pages in a history book, holding clues about Earth's past.
What Does Its Name Mean?
The scientific name Miotadorna sanctibathansi has a special meaning. The first part, Miotadorna, tells us something important. "Mio" comes from "Miocene," the time period when the duck lived. "Tadorna" is the scientific name for modern shelducks. So, Miotadorna means "Miocene shelduck."
The second part of the name, sanctibathansi, refers to where the fossil was found. It's a Latin version of "Saint Bathans." This is a historic gold mining town near the fossil discovery site. Scientists often name new species after the place where they are found.
