A Spectacular Fossil of a Dinosaur Unveiled in China

A spectacular fossil of a new species of dinosaur was recently unearthed in China. The fossils indicated the presence of a beak and feathers. This bird-like dinosaur was unveiled in Southern China at a construction site. The creature called by its scientific name Tongtianlong limosus had died because it got caught in the mud.

• The skeleton of a new species of dinosaur was revealed.
• It was found by some workers on a construction site in China.

The species dates back from approximately 66-72 million years ago. The fact that it died in the mud it got its name, the “Mud Dragon.” Unfortunately, before scientists got to discover the spectacular fossil, it was damaged by dynamite explosions produced by workers who were excavating a building nearby.

Researchers were so thrilled that the weird species was revealed before any more damaged was caused to it. Dr. Steve Brusatte, Professor at the University of Edinburgh and the co-author of the study, claimed that the fossil was almost entirely dynamited. A part of the dinosaur’s skeleton was unharmed.

Dr. Brusatte was pleased to find out that the spectacular fossil was not auctioned or sold off, but rather preserved by a museum which fortunately did not let science lose such a great value. The skeleton was found lying on its back, having its wings stretched and its neck arched. Experts have revealed that the creature had displayed a crest of bone on top of its head.

They assumed that the dinosaur used it to intimidate rivals or to attract other individuals from the same species for breeding. The Tongtianlong dinosaur it part of the oviraptorosaur dinosaur family. The members of this species were known for having feathers and sharp beaks, attached to small heads. Dr. Brusatte argued that this spectacular fossil was bound to offer science a look of the last species of dinosaur which lived on our planet.

The paleontologist has asserted that the dinosaurs were still in the process of broadening during the last period from the Cretaceous. Thus, the fossils indicate that dinosaurs were still developing and adapting right before their end. This particular species was thought to be the last source of diversification before they became extinct after the asteroid hit.

Even if the dinosaurs had wings, its bony structure did not allow it to fly, always relying on its feet to run from rivals. The fossils have also demonstrated that this creature had diverse feeding habits compared to other species of dinosaurs.

Image courtesy of: public domain pictures