Chinese scientists recently affirmed that the ornithopod fossil they discovered was a new member of the "dinosaur family" in the world.

Chinese scientists unearthed this dinosaur fossil in Jilin Province in northeast China three years ago. It is about one meter in length with a 115 mm skull. Judging by the features of its skull, researchers believe that it belongs to a new dinosaur species and a new genus that had remained unknown in the world.

The dinosaur fossil was named Changchun Dinosaur according to the location of excavation and the place of preservation.

Researchers revealed that judging by the fossil, this dinosaur is an adult though it has a petite stature. Since its two front legs are short while the hind legs are long and graceful, scientists believe that it is a mini-type dinosaur that likes to grab leaves with its front legs."

At present, about 650 to 700 species of dinosaurs in 350 genuses have been described in the world. China alone has described and named about 100 species.

(Chinanews April 13, 2006)