China unveils new species of early Jurassic dinosaur

A new species of Early Jurassic dinosaur has been presented in China, as recently reported by the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP). This is reported by CCTV+, a partner of TV BRICS.

The dinosaur in question, named Lishulong wangi, is one of the largest known early sauropods in the South China region. 

"[The fossil – editor's note] was discovered in the back hills of Dalishu Village, and, after years of studies, named Lishulong wangi. The name is to commemorate a man named 'Wang Zhengju' who discovered Lufengpithecus fossils. So, the newly discovered fossil has been named after Mr. Wang Zhengju," said Wang Tao, director of Dinosaur Fossil Conservation and Research Center under Lufeng's Department of Natural Resources.

IVPP scientists classified Lishulong wangi as an early sauropodomorph closely related to Yunnanosaurus. 

The skull of this dinosaur is about 40 centimetres long, making it the largest skull found in the Liufeng Formation. 

This discovery contributes to increasing dinosaur diversity in southwest China and improves understanding of the evolution of early different sauropods.