Were There Dinosaurs In the Philippines?
From time to time, we get curious about history and what life was like before. Did you ever wonder if there were dinosaurs in the Philippines?
In 1987, a significant discovery was made by paleontologists from the National Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of the Philippines. They uncovered Stegodon sp. bones in Tres Hermanas, Antipolo, and Rizal. Despite the name “Stegodon” sounding like it belongs to a dinosaur, it actually refers to an extinct genus of elephant that roamed the Philippines thousands of years ago.
The discovery of Stegodon sp. and other fossils, primarily microscopic marine organisms, highlight the prehistoric life that existed in the region. However, these findings also raise an intriguing question:
Why haven’t dinosaur fossils been found in the Philippines?
The absence of dinosaur fossils in the Philippines can be attributed to the geological history of the region. Dinosaurs lived during the Mesozoic Era, which spanned from about 250 to 65 million years ago. During this time, the land that would become the Philippines was submerged under the deep blue sea. The archipelago’s landmasses began to emerge only during the Tertiary period, approximately 65 to 1.64 million years ago. This formation occurred well after the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The Philippines’ current 7,001 islands were once part of different landmasses that converged in this part of Asia. This geological history explains why no dinosaur fossils have been discovered in the region, because the land itself did not exist during the time dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
Where to look for dinosaurs in the Philippines?
If dinosaurs did once inhabit the Philippines, certain locations are more promising for fossil discoveries. Palawan and Mindoro are prime candidates for exploration. These islands were once part of mainland China and contain rocks older than the dinosaurs themselves. Such geological conditions make these regions the most likely candidates for finding ancient fossils.
Just like the “dinosaur hunters” of the past, finding dinosaur fossils in the Philippines would require a combination of patience, luck, and a solid understanding of local geology.
READ: Prehistoric Animals Still Alive in the Philippines
So, do you think there were dinosaurs in the Philippines? The absence of dinosaur fossils in the country can be explained by the archipelago’s geological history. However, the possibility of future discoveries remains. Inspired by the successes of paleontologists like Joan Wiffen, researchers continue to explore potential sites in the Philippines, holding onto the hope that one day, a dinosaur fossil may be found, adding a new chapter to the rich history of the region.
