Jurassic Sprinter: New Dog-Like Dinosaur Discovered

The dinosaur, named Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, was about the length of a medium-sized dog. Its tail was almost half the length of its body. Although many of its bones have been discovered in Colorado's famous Morrison Formation, the lack of a skull and fragments of the vertebral column has made it difficult to accurately estimate its dimensions.

According to Professor Paul Barrett of London's Natural History Museum, such complete skeletons of small herbivores are very rare. "We usually only find individual fragments. A complete skeleton is an exceptional find," he told CNN.

The exhibit will be open to the public from 26 June at London's Natural History Museum.

Small but agile. "Enigmacursor" means "mysterious runner"

Barrett describes the newly discovered species as a lightly built herbivore about the size of a Labrador retriever. The dinosaur moved on long hind limbs, which the scientist says indicates great speed and agility, which were helpful in escaping predators.

Analysis of the bones indicates that this dinosaur had unique features not seen in any other known species. Its femur was particularly distinctive, with unusual muscle attachment sites. A close relative of Enigmacursor is Yandusaurus hongheenis, a three-meter dinosaur found in China. This may indicate that similar species were more widespread, but traces of them have not yet been discovered.

Although some of the vertebrae in the skeleton were not fused, indicating that the individual had not reached full adulthood, the exact age is difficult to determine. The preparation of the fossil for transport itself may have affected the condition of the bones. There was also no evidence of disease or trauma that could indicate the cause of death.

A new dinosaur every week

New dinosaur species are identified relatively often—on average, once a week. But small specimens like Enigmacursor are much rarer. That’s because they’re often missed by hunters, and their delicate bones are more easily damaged.

Barrett emphasizes that the discovery of such small dinosaurs allows for a better understanding of ancient ecosystems. "Thanks to them, we are learning a more complete picture of life in the age of dinosaurs," he concludes.

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