China Unveils New Early Jurassic Dinosaur Species

China has unveiled a new early Jurassic dinosaur species, Lishulong wangi, discovered in Yunnan province in 2007. The well-preserved fossil, which includes an intact skull and nine cervical vertebrae, represents one of the largest early sauropods from the region.

The species is named in honor of Wang Zhengju, who discovered Lufengpithecus fossils. Lishulong wangi was about eight meters long and closely related to Yunnanosaurus. This discovery enhances understanding of dinosaur evolution and adds to the diversity of dinosaurs in southwest China. The fossil is now on display in the Lufeng Dinosaur Valley.