Prehistoric 'giant goose' skull found in Australia

The discovery of a prehistoric 'giant goose' skull in Australia has provided researchers with valuable insights into the ancient bird's appearance and behavior. The skull, belonging to the now-extinct Genyornis newtoni, is the most complete specimen of its kind ever found, dating back 45,000 to 50,000 years. This rare find has excited scientists, as it offers a unique opportunity to understand the physical characteristics of this giant flightless bird. The skull was unearthed in the dry beds of Lake Callabonna, a remote region in South Australia, where it was attached to an almost complete fossilized body of the bird, a highly unusual occurrence. The bird, which weighed approximately 230kg, had a large cranium, massive upper and lower jaws, and a distinctive casque on top of its head. It also possessed a wide gape and strong bite, enabling it to consume soft plants and fruit. The researchers believe that the bird's unique adaptations for aquatic habitats may have contributed to its extinction around 45,000 years ago, as the fresh water bodies it relied on had turned into salt lakes.