"Exquisite" Raptor Unearthed in Mongolia

Illustration by Matt von Rooijen

Scientists have discovered yet another new species of dinosaur that appears to be closely related to the Velociraptor, the dinosaur made famous by Jurassic Park. The new dinosaur has been named Linheraptor exquisitus and represents an entirely new genus within the family Dromaeosaurid, or "running lizards", the group of dinosaurs many scientists believe to be the descendants of all modern birds. Linheraptor is said to have been over 1.8m long and lived between 65 and 145 million years ago. The researchers discovered its fossilised skeleton in mud dating from the Upper Cretaceous period in Mongolia. The fossilised skeleton was in almost perfect condition, with complete claws and teeth, despite its considerable age. For more information about this exquisite new find, click here.