The goose-like dinosaur Natovenator polydontus in Mongolia

The goose-like dinosaur has become a new species. Paleontologists have just spotted a swan-like dinosaur. Presumably this dinosaur had the ability to swim well.

Not just swimming, even the research of the experts shows that this gigantic ancient beast is also good at diving due to its slim body.

The dinosaur, which experts later named Natovenator polydontus, was an ancient diving bird or swan that lived millions of years ago.

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Goose-like dinosaur identified

New experts have found a skeleton of an ancient animal. This time they examined the skeletons of animals found in Mongolia.

The analysis results show that this skeleton belongs to a species of theropod dinosaur. The body of this animal is slender like today’s swan.

Experts then gave this new species the name of Natovenator polydontus. According to estimates, Natovenator polydontus comes from the Cretaceous.

New studies on this new species have been published in Communication biology which is an open access journal so anyone can access it.

Have a slim body

The research findings of the experts state that this ancient creature which originated 71 million years ago has a slender body like modern diving birds.

Furthermore, Natovenator polydontus also had a long neck similar to modern birds such as swans.

Seoul National University pantheologist Young Nam Lee explains that aquatic animals have adapted by streamlining their bodies to move more efficiently in the water.

Because of its slender body, the researchers explained that this goose-like dinosaur was an excellent swimmer.

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Skeleton found in southern Mongolia

The fossilized remains of Natovenator polydontus have been detected in the Baruungoyot Formation at Hermiin Tsav in the Gobi Desert of southern Mongolia.

The specimen is a skeleton with mainly the skull, vertebrae, one forelimb and the remaining two hind legs.

The skeleton is also well preserved with several jointed dorsal ribs that researchers oriented posterolaterally to streamline the body in diving birds.

Also, the broad curved proximal rib shaft is a sign that the ribs of Natovenator polydontus are compressed like those of aquatic reptiles.

Analysis of its evolutionary relationship with Natovenator polydontus and other theropod dinosaurs shows that it is closest to Halszakraptorinies.

The Halzkaraptorines are a group of non-avian theropods. Hence, according to previous research, it may have the adaptability to lead a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

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This is obviously very strange as only avian dinosaurs are known for various aquatic forms including the extinct clade.

The body design of Natovenator polydontus suggests that several non-avian dinosaurs returned to the water. That is why the skeleton of this goose-like dinosaur has become an amazing find. (R10/HR-Online)