New toothy diving dinosaur discovered

New toothy diving dinosaur discovered
Skull of Natovenator polydontus (MPC-D 102/114, holotype). a–d Skull in left lateral (a), right lateral (b), dorsal (c), and ventral (d) views. e µCT-rendered image sliced at the point marked on a, showing a cross-section of the premaxillary and anterior maxillary teeth in dorsal view. f Micro-computed tomography (µCT) rendered image of the occipital region in posterior view. g µCT-rendered image of the pterygoid and quadrate. ?bm possible bite mark, d dentary, f frontal, h humerus, l lacrimal, m5 5th maxillary tooth, mx maxilla, na nasal p parietal, p13 13th premaxillary tooth, pl palatine, pm premaxilla, pop paroccipital process, pt pterygoid, q quadrate, rt replacement tooth, sq squamosal, so supraoccipital. Credit: Communications Biology (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04119-9

A new species of non-avian dinosaur with a streamlined body similar to those of modern diving birds, such as penguins and auks, is described in a study published in Communications Biology. The findings represent the first case of a non-avian theropod—a type of carnivorous dinosaur that walked on two legs—to have a streamlined body.

Yuong-Nam Lee and colleagues identified the by examining the fossilized remains of a specimen from the Omnogovi Province, Mongolia. They have named the species Natovenator polydontus, meaning "swimming hunter with many teeth." The specimen is a mostly complete skeleton and features the skull, , one forelimb, and the remains of two hindlimbs.

The authors report several adaptations that suggest that Natovenator may have been a semiaquatic diving predator, including a streamlined body similar to those of modern diving birds—with ribs that point towards its tail—and a long neck similar to modern water birds such as geese. These adaptions may have reduced the drag that Natovenator would have been subjected to when swimming and helped it to catch prey.

The authors also speculate that the unusually high number of teeth that Natovenator had in relation to the size of its jaw could indicate that it ate a fish or insect-based diet, however further evidence—such as the fossilized remains of its stomach contents—is needed to confirm this.

Analysis of the evolutionary relationships between Natovenator and other indicate that it was closely related to halszkaraptorines—a group of non-avian theropods that previous research has suggested may have been adapted for a semiaquatic lifestyle, similar to modern day waterfowl. Together, the findings indicate that Natovenator was a semi-aquatic diving predator and provide further insight into evolution.

More information: Sungjin Lee et al, A non-avian dinosaur with a streamlined body exhibits potential adaptations for swimming, Communications Biology (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04119-9

Journal information: Communications Biology

Citation: New toothy diving dinosaur discovered (2022, December 4) retrieved 7 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2022-12-toothy-dinosaur.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Mongolian fossil is first known species of streamlined non-avian theropod dinosaur to walk on two legs

18 shares

Feedback to editors