| Dilong | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Kingdom: |
Animalia |
|
Phylum: |
Chordata |
|
Class: |
Reptilia |
|
Superorder: |
Dinosauria |
|
Order: |
Saurischia |
|
Suborder: |
Theropoda |
|
Superfamily: |
†Tyrannosauroidea |
|
Family: |
Incertae Sedis |
|
Genus: |
†Dilong |
|
Species: |
†D. paradoxus (type) |
Dilong was a genus of basal tyrannosaur from the Early Cretaceous from the Yixian Formation in China.
Discovery[]
On October 6, 2004, Dilong paradoxus, a small theropod was unearthed in China and described. Out of 4 specimens, one was particularly exciting for scientists, because it was covered in small, hair-like protofeathers. The feathers were more primitive than bird feathers, and were likely used for warmth. This fossil suggests that other basal Tyrannosaurids had feathers and even young Tyrannosaurus too, may have had feathers.
Description[]
At 1.5 meters (5 feet) long, Dilong was a small tyrannosaurid that shared its environment with other feathered dinosaurs such as the therizinosaurid Bepiosaurus whom it may have preyed on.
Classification[]
Dilong is believed to be a member of the Superfamily Tyrannosauroidea, however, it is unclear how it relates to other tyrannosaurs.
