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Ratchasimasaurus Traditional Cache

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LosBanos: Time for a rest for Ratchasimasaurus

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Hidden : 9/29/2012
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

This cache was part of the series set out to support the 2012 Los Banos Geocaching Event, GC3RMVY. Renamed and repurposed in 2014.


Ratchasimasaurus

Pronunciation: rat-KAS-ee-muh-SOR-us
Meaning: Ratchasima lizard

Discovered in the Khok Kruat Formation of Nakhon Ratchasima, Ratchasimasaurus was the second iguanodont from Thailand to be named in the space of a month. The other one—Siamodon nimngami—was discovered in the exact same area though by a different team independantly, and it wasn't long before paleontologists were banging heads over classifications, potential synonymity issues, and whatnot.

Ratchasimasaurus (known only from a lower jaw with a combination of primitive and advanced features) was described as a non-hadrosaurid iguanodont, aka a hadrosauroid, aka a hadrosaur (though some think it may be a styracosternan) while Siamodon (known only from an upper jaw) was described as an advanced iguanodontian, aka a non-hadrosaurid iguanodont, aka a hadrosauroid, aka... wait for it... a hadrosaur.

Although from the same family, place and time both teams of scientists insist their specimen is unique, and it's hard to prove otherwise as compareable body parts are sadly lacking.

Etymology
Ratchasimasaurus is derived from "Ratchasima" (the Thai Province in which it was discovered) and the Greek "sauros" (lizard). The species epithet, suranareae, is named for Thao Suranari - wife of the deputy governor of Nakhon Ratchasima at the time of the Vientiane King Anouvong's attack on Korat in 1826. Having seized the town and turfed out its inhabitants Lady Mo (as she is also known) saved the day by getting the invading soldiers roaring drunk. Most suspect the tale of her exploits is complete claptrap, but it's as good a reason as any for a yearly festival.

Discovery
The remains of Ratchasimasaurus were discovered in the Khok Kruat Formation of Nakhon Ratchasima Province in northeastern Thailand.

http://www.dinochecker.com/dinosaurs/RATCHASIMASAURUSv

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