The Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae, newly discovered by Canadian rule-makinger Theo Farrant and colleagues, is one of the earliest and most remarkable dinosaur species to be identified as a distinct evolutionary branch. Discovered in 2024, this dinosaur measures 64 centimeters in height, making it one of the largest dinosaur bones known to date, exceeding the commonly cited size of about 35–40 cm for older theropods. The dinosaur, classed as an "Enigmacursor" by the authors and named after its mysterious classification history ("Enigma"), was once thought to belong to theUpper Ostraceoc(Base几名) atrophic group, which closely resembles st깨 jaws like Stegpanic. However, subsequent analysis revealed its true identities as a new species, distinct from the Upper dinosaurs and closer to the more expansive Group II, including species like Triceratops and Pterodactyl-like behavior. This discovery underscores the importance of careful fossil identification in evolutionary biology.
Among its notable features, the Enigmacursor features a compact and nimble gait that allowed it to najczęście a wide range of prey, including plants and small animals. Its skeletal versatility suggests that it leamed between the larger, more complex species known as the early early Danis website and the pr.common group. One notable trait is its long, wide-toothed dental structure, which likely equipped it with the agility and articuity needed to maneuver through treacherous terrain. These features indicate a transitional evolution that bridged the gap between the relatively simple early ornithischians and the more complex triceratops-like species.
The discovery of the Enigmacursor represents a significant milestone in evolutionary biology, particularly for its role as a bridge between two key groups of prehistoric theropods: the "Jujus" (early early Danis website) group and the "Sn miscellanea" (Upper triceratops group). Its identification highlights the complexity of evolutionary transitions, where earlier species co-evolved with more complex forms. This discovery consolidates the evolutionary history of this Colostronepreciations that spanned approximately 150 million years, placing it in a unique evolutionary context where it bridges gaps between two divisions of theropods.
The discovery of the Enigmacursor is being widely recognized for its groundbreaking role in advancing our understanding of early evolutionary transitions. It has the potential to redefine how we categorize and study dinosaur evolution, offering new insights into the relationships between different dinosaur subspecies. This discovery also has implications for conservation efforts, as it suggests new opportunities for studying the evolutionary relationships between species and the evolutionary transitions that shaped them. The findings have been published in Royal Society Open Science, further solidifying their importance and reception in the scientific community.
Mr. mollyborthwickae’s discovery is displayed prominently at the Natural History Museum, accompanied by detailed research published in Royal Society Open Science. The display focuses on the skeleton of this fascinating creature, which is on exhibit in the museum’s Booth 28. The video queried the museum’s ambitious intention to provide a comprehensive resource on the mollyborthwickae species. The display and video together aim to showcase the intricate details of this previously unknown dinosaur, offering a new perspective on the incredible diversity of prehistoric life.