Archaeocursor is an extinct type of dinosaur from the early Jurassic period. It is a member of a group called ornithischians, which are known for their bird-like features. The name Archaeocursor means “old runner,” and it is known from a single fossilized thigh bone, called a femur. This bone was found in 2022 in China, specifically in the Ziliujing Formation near Chongqing.
The discoverers learned that Archaeocursor was one of the oldest ornithischian dinosaurs found in Asia. The species found is called Archaeocursor asiaticus, where “asiaticus” means “from Asia.”
The only bone found is quite interesting. It measures approximately 93 millimeters long, or about 3.7 inches. Scientists believe this bone belonged to a young adult dinosaur, which would have been about 1 meter, or 3.3 feet long, when it was alive.
The discovery took place during a project aimed at collecting fossils in a residential area. The area where it was found contained many different types of fossils, including plants and fish, suggesting it was once a lake environment.
The researchers think that Archaeocursor might have been washed into the lake after it died, which is how it ended up fossilized. They also believe that this dinosaur likely shared a common ancestor with another dinosaur found in South Africa, suggesting that dinosaurs from this time may have moved between different landmasses.
In summary, Archaeocursor is an important find in the study of dinosaurs because it helps scientists understand more about early ornithischians and their history in Asia.