A team of paleontologists and biologists from Hokkaido University, Hokkaido University Museum, North Carolina State University, and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences made an incredible discovery in the Gobi Desert – a previously unknown species of dinosaur that appeared to have slept in the same position as modern birds.
The researchers named the newly found species Jaculinykus yaruui, translating to “speedy tiny dragon,” belonging to the Alvarezsauridae family. Initially, this group of small therapods was believed to be flightless birds, but it is now classified as Maniraptoran dinosaurs – non-avian species that share a lineage with modern birds.
The fossil was discovered at the Barun Goyot Formation dig site in the Nemegt area of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. This site has proven to be a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils over the years. Dating back approximately 71 million years, the fossil is remarkably well-preserved and almost complete in a 3D form.
Analysis of the fossil suggests that the dinosaur would have stood nearly one meter tall and weighed around 30 kilograms when it was alive. However, what fascinated the researchers the most was its position. The dinosaur appeared to have settled into a comfortable sleeping position, with its neck and tail bent, allowing it to rest its head while its hind limbs were folded under its pelvis. This sleeping pose closely resembles that of modern birds.
The discovery offers insights into the behavior and habits of dinosaurs, suggesting that Maniraptorans, like their avian descendants, may have also slept in a similar position. Previous research has indicated that modern birds curl up during sleep for comfort and to retain body heat. The findings suggest that dinosaurs, too, adopted this pose to stay warm as they slept.
This unique fossil provides valuable information about the sleeping habits of ancient creatures and further contributes to our understanding of dinosaur behavior. It highlights the remarkable similarities between dinosaurs and modern birds, shedding light on the evolutionary link between the two. The study demonstrates how scientific discoveries in paleontology continue to expand our knowledge of the Earth’s prehistoric past.
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