Key facts
- A new species of microraptorine dinosaur, Jian changmaensis, has been discovered in China.
- This is the first non-avian dinosaur found at a site yielding over 100 Early Cretaceous bird specimens.
Paleontologists have announced the discovery of Jian changmaensis, a new species of microraptorine dinosaur unearthed in China. This finding is particularly noteworthy because it marks the first instance of a non-avian dinosaur being identified at a paleontological site that has previously yielded more than 100 specimens of Early Cretaceous birds. The discovery adds to the understanding of dinosaur and bird evolution during that period.