Zhenyuanlong

Zhenyuanlong is a genus of dromaeosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 million years ago. Its fossil remains were discovered in the Yixian Formation of Liaoning Province, China. The genus name, Zhenyuanlong, means "Zhenyuan dragon" in reference to the Zhenyuan County where the fossils were found and "long" which means dragon in Chinese.

The most notable feature of Zhenyuanlong is its remarkably well-preserved feathers. The holotype specimen, discovered in 2015, displays extensive feather impressions covering its body, arms, and tail. These feathers are often described as being long and complex, suggesting that Zhenyuanlong was a highly feathered dinosaur. The arms were particularly heavily feathered, with pennaceous feathers forming wing-like structures. The tail also bore long, asymmetrical feathers.

Zhenyuanlong is classified as a dromaeosaurid, a group of theropod dinosaurs commonly known as "raptors." It was a relatively small dinosaur, with the known specimen measuring around 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length. Its diet likely consisted of small animals, and its feathered arms may have played a role in display or even in some form of aerial locomotion, though it is generally not considered capable of sustained flight. The discovery of Zhenyuanlong has provided valuable insights into the evolution of feathers and the diversity of dromaeosaurids during the Mesozoic Era.