Discovery of Enigmacursor: A New Dinosaur Species at London's Museum

A groundbreaking discovery in paleontology has emerged from the Natural History Museum in London, where scientists have unveiled the skeleton of a new dinosaur species named Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae. This small herbivore, which lived approximately 150 million years ago during the late Jurassic period, provides vital insights into the evolutionary history of dinosaurs, particularly those inhabiting what is now the western United States.

The Enigmacursor, measuring only 64 centimeters in height and 180 centimeters in length, was a two-legged dinosaur that likely adapted well to its environment, utilizing its powerful legs and large feet for swift movement. According to Professor Paul Barrett, a paleontologist at the museum, the discovery of this skeleton fills an evolutionary gap, suggesting a transitional form between larger dinosaur groups, such as Stegosaurus and Triceratops. "This little dinosaur fills an evolutionary gap. It is somewhere in between the origin of the big group that includes things like Stegosaurus and Triceratops and their relatives, and the development of the weird features we see in those groups," Professor Barrett noted.

The fossil of Enigmacursor was excavated from a quarry in Colorado nearly four years ago. Initially classified as a nanosaurus—a poorly understood species first documented in the 1870s—its distinctive features became clearer with the discovery of this more complete skeleton. Professor Susannah Maidment, also a researcher at the museum, highlighted the significance of the name 'Enigmacursor,' translating to 'puzzle runner,' which reflects the complex history of naming these dinosaur remains. "There have been up to eight or nine different names given to these fragmentary, tantalizing remains, and we couldn’t figure it out until we found this nice more complete skeleton," she explained.

With its long hind limbs and large feet, the Enigmacursor showcases unique adaptations that differentiate it from its larger counterparts. This discovery not only adds to the museum's extensive collection of over 80 million natural specimens but also enhances our understanding of the diverse ecosystems that existed during the late Jurassic period. Professor Barrett emphasized that smaller dinosaurs like the Enigmacursor played significant roles in their habitats, indicating that the ecosystem was not solely dominated by larger species.

The implications of this discovery extend beyond this single species. A growing body of research suggests that there may be many more undiscovered small dinosaur species. Professor Sarah Maidment anticipates that ongoing investigations of collections across the United States may reveal further diversity among small herbivorous dinosaurs. "We think that the diversity of these sorts of dinosaurs was greater than we previously realized," she stated, suggesting that many specimens once thought to be part of the nanosaurus lineage may actually represent distinct species.

The naming of Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae acknowledges the private donor who assisted the museum in acquiring the fossil. While new dinosaur species are frequently identified—approximately 50 to 60 each year—discoveries of complete skeletons like that of the Enigmacursor remain rare and invaluable for scientific research. In conclusion, the unveiling of Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae not only highlights the ongoing advancements in paleontological research but also reinforces the importance of continued exploration in uncovering the complexities of our planet's prehistoric past.