South Korea recently celebrated its first new dinosaur species in 15 years: the Doolysaurus huhmini. Discovered in 2023 on Aphae Island, this small dinosaur, about the size of a turkey, was a nimble, two-legged omnivore.
Co-author Hyemin Jo found the fossil and used micro-CT imaging to study its internal structures without damaging it. This method lets scientists see details that are often missed in traditional research.
Most of South Korea’s dinosaur discoveries are footprints or eggs, but Doolysaurus includes preserved skull material. This makes it one of the most important finds in the country, offering fresh insights into how small dinosaurs lived in Asia between 113 to 94 million years ago.
Scientists think the Doolysaurus was young, likely between zero and two years old. Stomach stones found with the fossil suggest it had a varied diet. Unlike many of its relatives that primarily ate plants, Doolysaurus probably enjoyed a mix of plants and small animals.
Experts have classified Doolysaurus as an early member of the Thescelosauridae family, known for being fast-moving, plant-eating dinosaurs that walked on two legs. This discovery lends credence to the theory that such dinosaurs may have first appeared in Asia before spreading to other regions.
The name Doolysaurus pays tribute to “Dooly the Little Dinosaur,” a beloved cartoon character from 1983. The species name honors paleontologist Min Huh for his significant contributions to dinosaur research in Korea.
Researchers believe there may be more fossils to find in this area, especially on Aphae Island, where many rock formations are still uncharted. With ongoing excavations, who knows what other secrets this land may unveil?
For further information about paleontological discoveries and insights, you can check reports from the PLOS ONE journal.
