Scientists Find a Flamboyant, Chicken-Sized Dinosaur

Scientists have recently discovered a flamboyant, chicken-sized dinosaur that could shed new light on how birds and fowls like peacocks have their practice of showing off.

The new species of dinosaur has been designated as Ubirajara jubatus, discovered by an international team of scientists led by Professor David Martill and Robert Smyth from the University of Portsmouth and Professor Dino Frey from the State Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe in Germany.

Results of their findings appear in the journal Cretaceous Research on December 13.

Dressed to Impress

Researchers discovered this new species while examining fossils in the Karlsruhe collection. They identified a small dinosaur with an elaborate mane of fur running down its back, as well as rows of stiff ribbons from its shoulders, features never found before in fossil records - prompting a new, previously undiscovered species. Scientists behind the discovery theorize that its flamboyant features were used for intimidating foes or impressing potential mates.

"What is especially unusual about the beast is the presence of two very long, probably stiff ribbons on either side of its shoulders that were probably used for display, for mate attraction, inter-male rivalry or to frighten off foe," Martill said.

He additionally explained that while they can't definitely prove its gender, they strongly believe that the Ubirajara jubatus specimen was male, given the difference between male and female birds. Additionally, they think the specimen was young, contrary to the common understanding that complex display abilities being usually reserved for mature adult males.

"Given its flamboyance, we can imagine that the dinosaur may have indulged in elaborate dancing to show off its display structures," Martill added. He also noted that the "ribbons" found in this new dinosaur are not considered feathers as we know it, nor are they scales of fur - these are structures unique to this animal.

In a press release from the University of Portsmouth, Smyth commented that the U. jubatus' distinct features are extravagant for such a small creature and unexpected if only the skeleton was preserved. He inquired why would an animal have these outstanding characteristics that makes them more visible to both their prey and predators.

From Fashion to Survival

Ubirajara jubatus is believed to have lived some 110 million years ago during the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous period and is closely related with the European dinosaur Compsognathus, small dinosaurs from the Tithonian age of the Jurassic period.

In the fossil analyzed by the researchers, a section of its long thick mane remained nearly intact. These protrusions were believed to be controlled by muscles, allowing the dinosaur to raise them at will, such as hackles in dogs or spines in porcupines. On the other hand, lowering its mane close to the skin allows it to move faster and smoother, and without the risk of getting tangled in vegetation.

Martill explained that these movable body coverings make for a great advantage - streamlining the body for faster movement, either hunting or escaping. He adds that these can also be used to capture or release heat.