Researchers from the University of Kansas have found in China the remains ofSinornithosaurus, a dinosaur from ago128 million years, close relative ofVelociraptor, whatpoisoned its prey after hunting them. Is hefirst poisonous reptileknown in the lineage that leads to modern birds. “This is a poisonous bird no matter how you look at it,” says Larry Martin, paleontologist and co-author of the discovery, published today in the magazinePNAS.
The animal was the size of a turkey and specialized in hunting small dinosaurs and birds. He almost certainly hadpens, since he is a very close relative toMicroraptor, described as the “four-winged dinosaur”. It lived in the prehistoric forests of northwest China alongside primitive birds and other dinosaurs. It had special cavities on the sides of the face where scientists believe apoison glandwhich would supply the liquid to the upper fangs. Their poisonous system was similar to that of somesnakescurrent.
“It was impossible to see it coming,” explains David Burnham, who has participated in the analysis of his remains. “He probably used to jump on his victim from a low tree branch and attack from behind.” Once it stuck its fangs in, thethe pressentered astate of shockthat prevented him from fleeing, “although it is probable that he remained alivea while the dinosaur slowly devoured her“, maintains the researcher. A bloody death, in short.
