Introduction:
A groundbreaking discovery in China is rewriting our understanding of early dinosaur evolution. Chinese scientists have unearthed a new species of sauropodomorph dinosaur, Yue’s Xingxiulong, dating back to the Early Jurassic period. This find, announced on February 13th by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, provides crucial evidence for the diversification and gigantism of sauropodomorphs, the ancestors of the massive sauropod dinosaurs.
Discovery and Identification:
The fossil of Yue’s Xingxiulong was discovered in 2015 in Lufeng City, Yunnan Province, a region renowned for its rich dinosaur fossil beds. After a decade of meticulous restoration, assembly, and systematic research, a team from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Geological Museum of China, and the Lufeng City Natural Resources Bureau confirmed it as a new species within the Xingxiulong genus. Their findings were published in the journal Historical Biology.
The fossil is remarkably well-preserved, including a complete sequence of vertebrae from the second dorsal to the twentieth caudal, along with the left scapula, a nearly complete pelvic girdle, and hind limbs. This comprehensive skeletal record offers invaluable insights into the skeletal structure of early sauropodomorphs.
Size and Significance:
While the type species of Xingxiulong, X. chengi (named in 2017), measured only 4-5 meters in length, Yue’s Xingxiulong is estimated to have reached a staggering 8-10 meters. Its femur, measuring 0.78 meters, is 40% longer than that of X. chengi, making it one of the largest basal sauropodomorphs discovered to date.
This significant size difference is particularly important because it sheds light on the evolutionary transition from small to medium-sized sauropodomorphs to the gigantic sauropods. The gigantism of Yue’s Xingxiulong indicates that size diversification within this group occurred much earlier than previously thought, as early as 195 million years ago in the Early Jurassic. This discovery provides critical evidence for understanding the evolutionary pathway of sauropods towards the super-sized herbivorous species they eventually became.
Lufeng’s Dinosaur Hotspot:
The Lufeng region of Yunnan Province has proven to be a treasure trove of early dinosaur fossils. With over ten species of sauropodomorph dinosaurs already discovered, including Lufengosaurus, Yunnanosaurus, and Jingshanosaurus, Lufeng boasts the most concentrated assemblage of early sauropod fossils globally. The addition of Yue’s Xingxiulong further enriches the region’s biodiversity and reinforces its status as a central hub for dinosaur radiation and evolution during the Early Jurassic period.
Conclusion:
The discovery of Yue’s Xingxiulong is a significant contribution to our understanding of early dinosaur evolution. Its large size and well-preserved skeleton provide crucial evidence for the early diversification and gigantism of sauropodomorphs, paving the way for future research into the evolutionary trajectory of these iconic creatures. The ongoing discoveries in Lufeng continue to highlight the region’s importance as a window into the dawn of the age of dinosaurs.
References:
- Link to the published paper in Historical Biology
- IT之家 News Report: 中国科学家发现早侏罗世蜥脚型恐龙新种“岳氏星宿龙”，揭示侏罗纪早期演化新证据. Retrieved from [IT之家 website]
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