New therizinosaur species Kayrasaurus changliensis uncovered in Liaoning, China
Paleontologists have identified a previously unknown dinosaur, Kayrasaurus changliensis, from a nearly complete skeleton found in Liaoning province.
Scientists excavating in Liaoning province have described a new dinosaur species, Kayrasaurus changliensis, based on an almost complete fossil skeleton. The animal belonged to the therizinosaur clade, known for long, curved claws, but this species was considerably smaller than its relatives, likely measuring around 3.6 metres long and weighing between 117 and 274 kilograms. Notable features include three-fingered, sharply curved forelimb claws and unusually small, tightly spaced teeth, suggesting a strong bite.
Although the rear legs were not preserved, the available bones provided enough diagnostic traits to establish a distinct species. The name references the historic Changli area and draws on Turkic shamanic deity Kayra as well as a related genus, Erlikosaurus. Further finds could clarify its ecology and role in the early Cretaceous ecosystem.
Why it matters
The discovery adds to knowledge of dinosaur diversity and evolution during the early Cretaceous.
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