Urbacodon is an extinct genus of dinosaur that belongs to a group called troodontids, which are known for their bird-like features.
These dinosaurs lived during the Late Cretaceous period, specifically in the Cenomanian to Turonian stages, around 100 to 90 million years ago.
**Discovery**
The first species identified is called Urbacodon itemirensis. Fossil remains of this dinosaur were found in Uzbekistan. The jawbone was discovered in 2004 by a paleontologist named Anton Sergeevich Rezwiy.
In 2007, scientists Alexandr Averianov and Hans-Dieter Sues officially named this dinosaur. The name “Urbacodon” is a mix of an acronym celebrating several scientists from different countries who helped with its discovery, along with the Greek word “odon,” which means “tooth.” The specific name “itemirensis” is a reference to the location where it was found.
A second species called Urbacodon norelli was identified later in 2024 from fossils found in China.
**Physical Description**
Urbacodon dinosaurs are known mainly from their jawbones. The jaw of U. itemirensis measures about 79.2 millimeters long and has 32 spots where teeth would grow.
Unlike some other dinosaurs, Urbacodon had teeth that were not serrated. Its jawbone was slender and curved inward at the tip, features that show it was distinct even among other troodontids.
**Classification**
Scientists group Urbacodon within the family Troodontidae, alongside other related species. It shares some characteristics with similar dinosaurs, like Byronosaurus and Mei, but also has unique features that set it apart.
Researchers believe that Urbacodon is somewhat more primitive compared to other well-known troodontids like Troodon. Despite this, Urbacodon is considered a close relative to other late members of the Troodontidae family.
In summary, Urbacodon is an interesting dinosaur that helps us understand more about the diversity of dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous.