125 million-year-old dinosaur with never before seen hollow spikes discovered in China

A groundbreaking discovery in paleontology has emerged from Liaoning Province, China, where researchers have unearthed a 125-million-year-old dinosaur featuring hollow spikes, a characteristic never before observed in any known species. This remarkable find, led by a team from the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), challenges existing theories about dinosaur morphology and evolution, offering new insights into the diversity of prehistoric life. The dinosaur, believed to belong to the theropod group, showcases an unusual arrangement of hollow spikes along its back and tail. These spikes are not merely solid structures but contain intricate air channels, a feature that has left scientists intrigued about their potential function. Hypotheses suggest that these spikes could have served a variety of purposes, from thermoregulation to defense mechanisms or even mating displays, though further research is needed to confirm these theories. This discovery not only highlights the complexity and adaptability of dinosaur species but also opens up new avenues for understanding the evolutionary pathways that led to modern birds. As researchers continue to analyze the specimen, this find is expected to significantly influence paleontological studies, encouraging a reevaluation of how we perceive the ancient ecosystems that once thrived on our planet.

— Authored by Next24 Live