Zanabazar junior is an extinct genus of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period about 70 million years ago.
This dinosaur was identified as one of the larger troodontids, a group of small to medium-sized feathered dinosaurs. The name “Zanabazar” comes from a significant spiritual figure from Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia, and it was first called Saurornithoides junior when it was discovered in 1974 by Rinchen Barsbold.
**Discovery**
The first remains of Zanabazar were found in 1964 in Mongolia. The important fossil, known as the holotype, included a nearly complete skull, parts of the hip, some tail bones, and a right hind leg.
In 2009, scientists decided to give it a new name, Zanabazar, after realizing it didn’t belong to the original group it was assigned to.
**Physical Description**
Zanabazar was a large dinosaur, reaching about 2.3 meters long and weighing around 25 kilograms. It is one of the largest known troodontids from Asia. Its skull measured about 27.2 centimeters in length.
When it died, its bones were fused, meaning it was fully grown at that time. This dinosaur stood out not just for its size but also for its advanced features compared to related species.
**Classification**
Originally, Zanabazar was grouped with a family called Saurornithoididae. However, it has since been reclassified as part of the Troodontidae family, which includes other small, bird-like dinosaurs.
It is also related to many other notable species that are known for their intelligence and unique adaptations.
Zanabazar junior helps us understand the variety of life that existed during the age of dinosaurs and shows us the fascinating evolution of prehistoric creatures.