Paleontologists recently discovered a new species of dinosaur in northeastern Brazil, only the size of a chicken, with brilliant markings on its feathers and, most peculiarly, two long, hard spines sticking out from each side of its shoulders.
Researchers believe the fossil is a long-haired spearasaur (Ubirajara jubatus), a typical species of the genus Ubirajara that lived in northeastern Brazil 110 million years ago in modern times.
It had a long mane on its back. Researchers believe that this bristle, which normally drooped on the back, was controlled by muscles that could be lifted, probably similar to the way a porcupine would open its bristles when threatened.
The most peculiar thing is the two long spines on either side of the shoulder. The researchers say the two long spines are not scales, leather, or feathers, but a structure unique to this dinosaur, with a ridge-like bulge in the middle of each spine.
One of the study leaders, David Martill of the University of Portsmouth, said, “The two spike-like structures sticking out of the sides of the shoulders are particularly unusual, long and probably hard, and may have served a decorative purpose, either to attract mates, or between males. confrontation, or to scare off enemies, etc.”
“We can’t prove yet that this fossil came from a male dinosaur, and from what we know about the differences between male and female birds, this specimen would have been a young male.”
Co-investigator Robert Smyth said, “We know that many dinosaurs came with structures such as bony crowns, spines and folds, but this is rare in birds. The decorative structures on bird skulls are feathery in texture.”
“This little dinosaur provided us with new insight – the spikes sticking out of its shoulder area were grown from keratin. Bones take a lot of energy from the body to grow and maintain, and they are heavier and hurt more when they break. And keratin is a very suitable material for this small dinosaur. The hair, feathers and scales of the organism are made of keratin, which requires less energy expenditure for the body to grow and is lighter in weight and also has some toughness, and can grow new ones periodically if damaged.”
The researchers believe that the long-haired spear goddess is similar to the European American jawed dinosaur (Compsognathus). Compsognathus was one of the smallest known dinosaurs, about the size of a turkey, with a long neck and tail, strong hind legs and tiny forelimbs, and a fast runner.
This study was recently published in the journal Cretaceous Research.
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