Exciting Discovery: Meet the New Dog-Sized Dinosaur Species Unveiled by Scientists!

Scientists have identified a new species of dinosaur that adds a unique piece to the puzzle of our planet’s history. Named Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, this dinosaur was the size of a Labrador retriever and roamed the United States about 150 million years ago, sharing its environment with other famous dinosaurs like the stegosaurus and diplodocus.

The remains of this dinosaur were found in the Morrison Formation in Colorado between 2021 and 2022. Most of its bones were excavated, but the skull and parts of its spine were missing, making it hard to determine its exact length. According to Professor Paul Barrett from London’s Natural History Museum, finding nearly complete skeletons of such small dinosaurs is quite rare. He noted, "These very small plant-eating dinosaurs are pretty rare to find."

Interestingly, Enigmacursor was likely lightweight, similar in weight to a collie. It was a herbivore that moved on its long hind legs, which may have helped it escape from predators. Barrett explained that having a slender build allowed it to be a quick runner, giving it an advantage in avoiding larger threats.

This dinosaur’s discovery came about after a London art gallery reached out to Barrett and his colleague, Susannah Maidment. They worked together to secure a donation that allowed this fascinating skeleton to be showcased at the Natural History Museum starting June 26. The species name honors Molly Borthwick, a supporter of the museum, while the genus name, which means "mysterious runner" in Latin, reflects its elusive nature in the fossil record.

Barrett pointed out that this dinosaur’s thigh bone showed unique characteristics that set it apart from other known species. It’s closely related to Yandusaurus hongheenis, a dinosaur found in China. This connection suggests that small dinosaurs like Enigmacursor might have been more common and widespread than previously thought.

Even though discovering new dinosaur species is a frequent occurrence—about once a week—finding small species is much rarer. Barrett explained that fossil hunters often overlook these smaller specimens, focusing instead on larger, more impressive finds. Additionally, smaller skeletons are more likely to be damaged by predators and scavengers in ancient ecosystems.

Unearthing these smaller dinosaurs is crucial, as each new discovery helps us understand the ancient ecosystems they lived in. With around 150 million years of history behind it, Enigmacursor offers a fascinating glimpse into a time when dinosaurs were diverse and complex.

For more on dinosaur research and discoveries, check out studies from the Royal Society Open Science.

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