China discovers new sauropod dinosaur species

Chinese researchers have uncovered a new species of sauropod dinosaur dating back to the Early Jurassic period, named Xingxiulong yueorum, as reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

This discovery was made possible by the analysis of a well-preserved fossil found in Yunnan Province, in the southwest of China. The specimen includes a largely intact skeleton extending from the second dorsal vertebra to the twentieth caudal vertebra, alongside the left scapula and nearly complete girdle and hind limbs.

The fossil suggests that Xingxiulong yueorum is closely related to Xingxiulong chengi, another sauropod species, sharing distinct characteristics such as four sacral vertebrae.

However, this new species is distinguished by several unique traits, including a flat dorsal edge of the astragalus and the presence of ossified phalanges on the fifth toe. Moreover, Xingxiulong yueorum is notably larger, estimated to have reached lengths of 8 to 10 metres, which is significantly bigger than the 4 to 5 metre length of its predecessor.

Lead scientist You Hailu, from the Institute of Vertebrate Palaeontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, emphasised that the discovery not only adds to the rich diversity of dinosaurs found in southwest China but also provides vital insights into the evolution of sauropod dinosaurs.

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