Yulong is a type of dinosaur that lived a long time ago during the Late Cretaceous period, about 72 to 66 million years ago. It was found in the Qiupa Formation in Henan Province, central China. The name “Yulong” means “Henan dragon,” with “Yù” referring to Henan Province and “lóng” meaning dragon in Chinese.
Yulong belongs to a group of dinosaurs called oviraptorids, which are small theropod dinosaurs. These dinosaurs are known for having unique characteristics, and Yulong is special because it is one of the smallest oviraptorids found, with most individuals measuring only about a quarter to half a meter long, roughly the size of a chicken.
Scientific studies of Yulong began in 2013, when several specimens were collected. The main species discovered is called Yulong mini, which refers to its small size. Scientists have found many juvenile fossils, including an embryo that was found inside an egg, showing how diverse the eggs and nesting behaviors of these dinosaurs could have been.
Yulong had some distinct features. For example, specific parts of its skull are positioned in a unique way compared to other dinosaurs. Additionally, the shape of its bones suggests that Yulong may have lived a more settled lifestyle, possibly feeding on plants instead of hunting.
In terms of family tree and classification, Yulong is seen as more advanced than other larger oviraptorids, but its exact place in the dinosaur family tree is still being studied. Some researchers suggest it might be a basic version of oviraptorids, while others think it could be closely related to specific groups within this family.
Overall, Yulong is an important find that helps scientists understand the diversity of dinosaurs in ancient China and adds to our knowledge about how these creatures lived during the Late Cretaceous period.