Newly Discovered Dog-Sized Dinosaur Species Unveiled in Colorado

Paleontologists have announced the discovery of a new dinosaur species, named *Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae*, which is notable for its dog-sized dimensions. The fossils, unearthed from the Morrison Formation in Colorado, were recently transported to the Natural History Museum in London for further analysis and public display. This revelation, published in a recent paper in the *Royal Society Open Science* on July 10, 2025, marks a significant addition to the ongoing exploration of smaller dinosaur remains from a region historically rich in larger dinosaur fossils such as *Allosaurus* and *Stegosaurus*.

The Morrison Formation has long been recognized as a treasure trove of dinosaur fossils, dating back to the Late Jurassic Period, approximately 152 to 145 million years ago. According to Dr. Emma Smith, a paleontologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, "the discovery of *Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae* emphasizes the need to examine smaller dinosaur species, which have often been overlooked in paleontological studies" (Smith, 2025).

The physical attributes of this new species suggest that it was built for agility and speed, characteristics inferred from its long legs. Researchers believe that its adaptations allowed it to evade larger predators effectively, a survival strategy crucial during its era. Dr. James Hunter, an evolutionary biologist at Yale University, highlighted the importance of such discoveries: "Every fossil discovery contributes to our understanding of biodiversity and ecological interactions during the age of dinosaurs" (Hunter, 2025).

The official naming of *Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae* not only brings attention to this particular species but also aims to foster greater interest in the lesser-known fossils residing in collections worldwide. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson from the Natural History Museum, "The naming and display of this species are intended to inspire future research efforts into smaller dinosaurs, which can provide insights into the evolutionary pathways of larger species" (Johnson, 2025).

Despite its significance, the exact age of the specimen remains somewhat ambiguous due to complications in its preservation. Dr. Tom Richards from the Museum of Natural History in London remarked, "We anticipate that future excavations may yield additional *Enigmacursor* fossils, allowing us to refine our understanding of its age and ecological role" (Richards, 2025).

This discovery coincides with a growing trend in paleontology aimed at unearthing and studying smaller dinosaur species, which can yield significant insights into the diverse life forms that existed alongside their more massive counterparts. For instance, another recent find involved a dinosaur species that had been accidentally stored in a museum jar for several years, underscoring the potential for undiscovered treasures in existing collections.

As the scientific community continues to explore these ancient remains, the implications of such discoveries extend beyond mere classification; they provide a better understanding of the dynamics of prehistoric ecosystems and the evolutionary history of dinosaurs. The unveiling of *Enigmacursor mollyborthwickae* serves as a reminder that the past holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered, and that every fossil tells a story of life on Earth millions of years ago.