Chinese scientists have unearthed a new species of Early Jurassic sauropod dinosaur, named Xingxiulong yueorum, in the southwestern province of Yunnan. The well-preserved fossil offers fresh insights into the evolution of these colossal creatures.
The fossilized skeleton, discovered in Lufeng City in 2015, includes parts from the second dorsal vertebra to the twentieth caudal vertebra, as well as the left scapula and nearly complete girdle and hind limbs. This makes it one of the most complete sauropod fossils from the Early Jurassic period found in the region.
Researchers from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences identified that Xingxiulong yueorum shares similarities with the previously discovered Xingxiulong chengi, such as having four sacral vertebrae. However, it also exhibits unique features, including a flat dorsal edge of the astragalus and two ossified phalanges on the fifth toe.
The newly identified species is estimated to have been between 8 to 10 meters long, making it significantly larger than its relatives, which measured around 4 to 5 meters. This discovery enhances understanding of sauropod diversity during the Early Jurassic period.
Dr. You Hailu, the lead researcher, stated, “The discovery increases the diversity of dinosaurs in southwest China and provides new evidence for studying the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs.”
The findings were published online in the international journal Historical Biology earlier in February, highlighting the significance of southwest China as a rich site for paleontological research.
