Brazilian scientists have discovered two absolutely new species of prehistoric animals, which are most probably ancestors of dinosaurs, Informing reports.

The carcasses of the animals were found during the excavations in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil in 2009-2010.

Lecturer of the Lutheran University noted that carcasses of such quality are a rarity, but they give scientists very important information about the origin and evolution of dinosaurs.   

According to Max Cardoso Langer from São Paulo University, this finding points out to the fact that the dinosaurs’ homeland was South America.

The new species were named Buriolestes schultzi and Ixalerpeton polesinensis. The specialist ascertained that these dinosaurs lived on the Earth 320 mln years ago.

Buriolestes schultzi was 1,5 meter long, 50 cm high and weighed 7 kg, while Ixalerpeton polesinensis was 40 cm long, 15 cm high and weighed only 150 g.