A newly discovered species of small herbivorous dinosaur has been unveiled from a partial skeleton of a juvenile found in South Korea.
Durisaurus humini, a dinosaur species that thrived in what is now Korea during the mid-Cretaceous period, approximately 113 to 94 million years ago.
This prehistoric species belongs to the Thescelosauridae family, a group of bipedal dinosaurs known to populate East Asia and North America during the Cretaceous.
“The fossil record of dinosaur skeletons in South Korea has historically been limited in abundance and completeness,” stated paleontologist Dr. Jeong-yoon Jeong from the University of Texas at Austin and Chonnam National University.
“Currently, only two dinosaur species from South Korea have been recognized, both characterized by partial posterior skulls from the late Cretaceous period: Coriaceratops fasongensis and the newly identified Collenosaurus bosongensis from the Senso Zaibatsu.”
The fossilized remains of Durisaurus humini were uncovered in 2023 within mid-Cretaceous rocks, specifically in the Nishiroyama layer on the southwestern coast of the Korean Peninsula.
The specimen encompasses a skull, vertebrae, hind limbs, and multiple bezoars (digestive stones).
Advanced X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) allowed researchers to reveal hidden anatomical details of the dinosaur’s interior embedded within the rock.
With a fuzzy coat, the dinosaur was likely about the size of a turkey but still a juvenile. Durisaurus humini may have eventually reached double this size.
Histological analysis suggests that this individual was very young, possibly around 2 years old.
“It would have been incredibly cute, resembling a young lamb,” commented Julia Clark, a paleontologist at the University of Texas at Austin.
Durisaurus humini marks the first new dinosaur species discovered in South Korea in 15 years, and it is the first dinosaur fossil with a partial skull to be found in the country.
“Upon discovering the specimen, we immediately noted some preserved leg bones and vertebrae,” Dr. Jung said.
“We were pleasantly surprised to find parts of the skull and other bones hidden within the rock blocks, creating significant excitement among the team.”
The clusters of gastroliths and their dimensions suggest that Durisaurus humini may have had a more omnivorous diet than previously assumed.
“The morphology of the gastroliths associated with Durisaurus humini and other early neoplacolates may imply a generalized or omnivorous dietary approach for this group,” the researchers noted.
“However, variations in gastric anatomy and bezoar use observed in modern birds indicate a cautious approach is necessary when interpreting dietary habits of non-avian dinosaurs.”
This groundbreaking discovery emphasizes the potential for further skeletal finds in South Korea, particularly at paleontological sites like Afed, where environmental conditions differ from those at locations known for rich trace fossil deposits.
Durisaurus humini suggests a greater diversity of Cretaceous dinosaurs in Korea than currently reflected in the trace fossil record,” the authors concluded.
For detailed insights, refer to their paper, published today in the online journal Fossil Record.
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J. Jung et al. 2026. A new species of dinosaur discovered in Korea and its implications on the diversity of early-diverging neoplates. Fossil Record 29 (1): 87-113; doi: 10.3897/fr.29.178152
Source: www.sci.news
