Lupaasioidens

Lupaasioidens is a genus of extinct, small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 to 70 million years ago. The name Lupaasioidens is derived from the Finnish words "lupaasi" meaning "permission" and "oidens" meaning "tooth," referring to the unique dental features of these dinosaurs.

The first fossils of Lupaasioidens were discovered in Finland, specifically in the Juvaskyla region, making it one of the few dinosaur genera known from this area. The type species, Lupaasioidens ruunaensis, was described in 2010 based on fragmentary jaw bones and teeth. The fossils were found in marine sediments, suggesting that these dinosaurs may have lived near coastal environments.

Lupaasioidens is classified as a member of the family Caenagnathidae, which is part of the larger group Oviraptorosauria. These dinosaurs were likely omnivorous, with a diet consisting of both plants and small animals. The dental features of Lupaasioidens, including the presence of small, leaf-shaped teeth, support this dietary hypothesis.

The exact size and appearance of Lupaasioidens remain uncertain due to the fragmentary nature of the known fossils. However, based on comparisons with other caenagnathid dinosaurs, it is estimated that Lupaasioidens was around 2 to 3 meters in length and weighed between 20 to 50 kilograms. The discovery of Lupaasioidens in Finland provides important insights into the diversity and distribution of theropod dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period.