CHONGQING, China – Scientists have recently discovered new evidence of a megaraptor in southeastern China, shedding light on a close cousin to the menacing Velociraptors depicted in “Jurassic Park”. Unlike the Hollywood portrayal of the Velociraptors as large, aggressive predators, the real Velociraptors were significantly smaller and adorned with feathers. However, this newly identified megaraptor exhibits a size closer to the dinosaurs depicted in films, making it one of the largest raptors ever discovered.
A team of paleontologists unearthed more than 240 footprints in China in 2020, with a set of five tracks measuring over 13 inches long attributed to the megaraptor. These footprints, distinguishable by featuring only two toes, indicate a unique characteristic specific to raptors. By studying these footprints, researchers have identified the creature as Fujianipus yingliangi, named after the Fujian province where the tracks were found. Estimates suggest that the megaraptor stood nearly six feet tall and measured 15 feet in length, dwarfing the traditional Velociraptor in size.
Researchers believe that discovering fossilized bones of the megaraptor could offer further insights into its appearance and behavior. The megaraptor belonged to the troodontid family, known for its birdlike features and exceptionally long legs. Living during the Cretaceous Period, approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, the megaraptor thrived in a period slightly more recent than the Jurassic era.
The megaraptor’s significant size places it as an outlier among its smaller raptor counterparts, showcasing the wide range of sizes within the dinosaur family. Paleontologist Anthony Romilio from the University of Queensland emphasizes the adaptability and ecological diversity of these raptor dinosaurs, highlighting the newfound discoveries in the study published in the journal iScience. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of these ancient creatures, the world gains a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of dinosaurs.