A team of researchers from Seoul National University, the University of Alberta and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences have identified the first known example of a streamlined non-avian theropod dinosaur that walks on two legs. In their article published in Communications Biologythe group describes where the fossil was found, its condition, and characteristics that were used to help identify it as a new species of dinosaur.
The dinosaur was excavated from the Hermiin Tsav fossil formation in Mongolia in 2008 as part of the Korean-Mongolian International Dinosaur Expedition. Since then, it has been stored with hundreds of other fossils awaiting study by experts.
In their study of the fossil, the researchers found that it was well preserved and nearly complete – it had most of its two hind limbs, one of its forelimbs, most of its skull and most of its spine. He also had a bite of teeth. Researchers noted that the skeleton was similar in shape to many modern waterfowl, sleek and neat, suggesting it lived on or near water and survived by fishing offshore.
The researchers also noted that its ribs point towards its tail, another common feature of waterfowl. But it wasn’t a bird – there was no sign of wings. The researchers also noted that the overall shape of the skeleton strongly suggested that it did not use its forelimbs to walk, likely giving it a penguin-like gait.
Their findings suggest that the dinosaur belonged to the therapod family and had not been previously identified; thus, it represented a newly discovered species. They named it Natovenator polydontus, which roughly translates to “hunter who swims and has many teeth.” They suggest it also looked most like Halszkaraptor, another non-avian dinosaur that also lived in what is now Mongolia.
The dinosaur was found in a rock formation dating to the Late Cretaceous, which puts it around 100 to 66 million years ago. Researchers suggest it was adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle similar to that of modern waterfowl, although its large number of teeth suggests it had a more varied diet.
More information:
Sungjin Lee et al, Non-avian dinosaur with streamlined body shows potential adaptations for swimming, Communications Biology (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04119-9
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