The Yutyrannus is a relatively recent discovery that changed much of what we know about the T-Rex. It was an early Cretaceous dinosaur with razor-sharp teeth, strong hind legs, and filamentous feathers and hunted together in packs. It was a cold-weather dinosaur that lived in the cooler parts of China, and many believe its feathery plumage helped keep it warm.
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Some Quick Facts about the Yutyrannus
| Name | Yutyrannus (feathered tyrant) |
| Type of dinosaur | Theropod |
| Territory | Forests and grasslands in cooler climates, Liaoning Province, China |
| Size | 29.5 feet long, 16.4 feet tall |
| Color | Dark, probably gray or brown |
| Interesting Characteristics | Bumpy, feathery skin |
| Diet | Other dinosaurs, like sauropods |
| Major Threats | Natural disasters |
What Was the Yutyrannus Known For?
When we think of giant, scary theropods, feathers don’t likely come to mind. Still, that’s precisely what the Yutyrannus had. Fossil records unearthed in China reveal this Cretaceous dino was a feathered dinosaur (similar to the Pisanosaurus).
This dino weighed a whopping 2,800 pounds. Even if it had wings, it would be too heavy to fly. Today, paleontologists have a few theories about the function of its feathers. Since the only fossil records of this dino were found in cooler parts of China, some believe that this feathered tyrant used its feathers to stay warm and regulate its body temperature.
Also, remember that birds use their wings for more than just flying. Paleontologists also believe that Yutyrannus used their feathers as a mating ritual to help attract a mate.
What Did the Yutyrannus Eat?
We know that the Yutyrannus was a carnivore based on the shape of its teeth. It had a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth and a flat tongue like a crocodile. This apex predator ate slow-moving sauropod and ornithopod dinosaurs (like the Psittacosaurus) and other creatures during the early Cretaceous periods.
What’s super interesting about the fossil discovery in Yixian Formation was that more than one Yutyrannus fossil was found in the same spot. This leads paleontologists to believe that this dinosaur hunted in packs and roamed the cooler forests of pre-historic China in large, predatory herds.
How fast was the Yutyrannus?
Experts are still not sure how fast this bipedal dino was. They do know that it was hunting in packs, going after sauropods. In general, these types of dinosaurs could reach nearly 28 mph.
When Was Yutyrannus Discovered?
The first fossils of the Yutyrannus were discovered in Liaoning Province, China, in 2012. The only fossil records of this dinosaur were unearthed in the Yixian Formation and are around 125 million years old.
While the fossil records indicate that the Yutyrannus was an early theropod ancestor of the mighty T-Rex, the direct evidence of feathers was a real game-changer. Before the discovery of the Yutyrannus in 2012, the largest recorded feathered dino was the Beipiaosaurus, which was found in a very similar location in China.
Even in 2012, it wasn’t unusual for dinosaurs to have feathers. Other theropods in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods had feathers, but Yutyrannus differed. It was the first time paleontology noted feathers on a tyrannosauroid, which taught us much about the T-Rex’s family tree!
Who Discovered Yutyrannus?
The fossils of the Yutyrannus were discovered by a paleontologist named Xing Xu, who lives in China. In the world of Paleontology, Xing Xu is a living legend. He has discovered over 30 species of dinosaurs, including the now-famous Yutyrannus.
The idea that some dinos had feathers is a relatively recent discovery in the study of paleontology, and we can thank Xing Xu for his contributions. Xing Xu discovered:
- The Microraptor
- The Dilong
- The Guanlong
While his other dino discoveries were terrific, his discovery of the Yutyrannus was his most epic find yet. And he’s still out there, looking for more dinos to uncover!
Is Yutyrannus Related to the T. Rex?
The Yutyrannus is an early cousin to their famous family member: the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The Yutyrannus, a member of the tyrannosaur family, shares much in common with the T-Rex, from its short arms, razor-sharp teeth, and keen hunting abilities. Many paleontologists believe that the T-Rex evolved from its early Cretaceous cousin.
While the Yutyrannus and T-Rex share many characteristics, they are more like distant cousins rather than closely related. Many paleontologists believe the Tarbosaurus was more closely related to the T-Rex than the Yutyrannus.