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New Dinosaur Species Haolong dongi Discovered in China

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Haolong dongi is a new dinosaur species discovered in Liaoning, China.
The fossil is a juvenile iguanodontian dating to 125 million years ago.
It has hollow spikes embedded in its skin, unseen in other dinosaurs.
Researchers suggest the spikes may have defended against predators or aided thermoregulation and sensing.
The findings were published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, honoring Dong Zhiming via the species name Haolong dongi.

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Story summary

Haolong dongi is a new dinosaur species discovered in Liaoning, China.
The fossil is a juvenile iguanodontian dating to 125 million years ago.
It has hollow spikes embedded in its skin, unseen in other dinosaurs.
Researchers suggest the spikes may have defended against predators or aided thermoregulation and sensing.
The findings were published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, honoring Dong Zhiming via the species name Haolong dongi.