patvirtinanius

Patvirtinanius is a genus of small to medium-sized dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago. The genus is known from a single species, Patvirtinanius kaskas, which was discovered in the Nemegt Formation of Mongolia. The name Patvirtinanius is derived from the Lithuanian word "patvirtinti," meaning "to confirm," reflecting the significance of the discovery in confirming the presence of theropod dinosaurs in the region.

Patvirtinanius kaskas is characterized by several distinctive features. It has a relatively small size, with an estimated length of around 4 meters. The skull is small and narrow, with a long, slender snout. The teeth are small and conical, suggesting a diet of soft plant material. The forelimbs are relatively short and robust, while the hindlimbs are longer and more slender, typical of theropod dinosaurs.

The discovery of Patvirtinanius provides valuable insights into the diversity and distribution of Late Cretaceous theropods in Asia. It helps to fill gaps in our understanding of the evolutionary history of these dinosaurs and their role in the ecosystems of the time. The fossil remains of Patvirtinanius are housed in the Natural History Museum of Lithuania, where they continue to be studied and analyzed by paleontologists.