Jianianhualong genus were troodontids of the Early Cretaceous world. They existed about 125 million years ago and are grouped under the Theropod clade. Their preserved holotype specimen was excavated from China.
The fossils suggested the presence of tail feathers that were asymmetrical. These structures, perhaps, helped them to glide and prey on smaller animals and birds of that epoch.
Let's dive into more details about the science behind the genus!
Jianianhualong Interesting Facts
How do you pronounce 'Jianianhualong'?
Jianianhualong is pronounced as 'Je-an-e-an-hu-ah-long'.
What type of dinosaur was a Jianianhualong?
The Jianianhualong is a new troodontid genus of the Theropod clade.
In which geological period did the Jianianhualong roam the Earth?
These non-avialan theropods roamed the Earth during the Early Cretaceous period.
When did the Jianianhualong become extinct?
These dinosaurs, which resembled birds, became extinct about 125 million years ago, due to a lack of adaptive radiation and natural calamities.
Where did Jianianhualong live?
The fossilized remains of the Jianianhualong were excavated from the Jehol Group of China, from where numerous feathered dinosaur remains were unearthed before.
What was the Jianianhualongs' habitat?
These new species of Troodontid roamed in plains, grasslands, and in the tundra region, where they preyed on smaller creatures and birds.
Who did the Jianianhualong live with?
Although we do not know about the social nature of these prehistoric creatures, paleontologists claimed that the troodontids may have lived in groups owing to the discovery of several species preserved together.
How long did a Jianianhualong live?
The exact life expectancy of these species is not known. The theropods generally lived for about 60-70 years.
How did they reproduce?
The Jianianhualong had similarities with both the reptiles and modern birds. So they reproduced by laying eggs, with a clutch size of 16-24, just like other troodontids of that era. They protected their amniotic eggs in small groups.
Jianianhualong Fun Facts
What did the Jianianhualong look like
These troodontids were smaller in size with a larger skull. Feather-like structures were present, and according to the scientific study, these creatures had similarities with both reptiles and modern birds. Their flight feathers on the tail frond were asymmetrical.
How many bones did a Jianianhualong have?
Due to a lack of specimen evidence, the total number of bones in the skeleton of this species is not recorded. However, their entire body, excluding the tail tip, was excavated by the paleontologists from the Yixian Formation in China.
This included the bones of the hind limbs, a short snout, a small ilium, apart from the impressions of large feathers.
How did they communicate?
These troodontids communicated both visually and vocally. Just like other troodontids, they had advanced binocular vision, which helped them to spot their prey from a distance.
How big was the Jianianhualong?
The body length of Jianianhualong was about 3.3 ft (100 cm), which was three times bigger than the Anchiornis, which were only about 1 ft (30 cm).
How fast could a Jianianhualong move?
With the mere presence of the impressions of asymmetrical feathers, researchers are not able to determine if these creatures were able to fly at great speeds. However, these feathers enhanced their aerodynamic capabilities, which helped them to locomote by gliding or jumping.
Furthermore, the small body size may have also allowed them to lift off. Unfortunately, the exact flying speed is unknown to us.
How much did a Jianianhualong weigh?
The weight of these species was estimated to be about 5.2 lb (2.4 kg).
What were the male and female names of the species?
The scientific community has given no specific names to the male and female troodontid species.
What would you call a baby Jianianhualong?
A baby Jianianhualong can be called a hatchling.
How aggressive were they?
As these creatures were carnivores with flying abilities, we may assume that these were moderately aggressive in nature.
Did you know…
The name 'Jianianhualong' means 'Jianianhua dragon'.
The discovery of the feather structures in these creatures establishes the fact that they were ancestral to the Paraves dinosaurs of the Jurassic period.
*We’ve been unable to source an image of Jianianhualong and have used an image of Gobivenator instead. If you are able to provide us with a royalty-free image of Jianianhualong, we would be happy to credit you. Please contact us at hello@kidadl.com
We Want Your Photos!
Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Bachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
Moumita DuttaBachelor of Arts specializing in Journalism and Mass Communication, Postgraduate Diploma in Sports Management
A content writer and editor with a passion for sports, Moumita has honed her skills in producing compelling match reports and stories about sporting heroes. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Calcutta University, alongside a postgraduate diploma in Sports Management.
Gowri RaoBachelor of Arts specializing in Economics
With a bachelor's degree in Economics from Krea University, Gowri is a highly skilled data analyst and an expert in regression and causation modeling. Her interests in economic trends, finance, and investment research complement her professional expertise. In addition to her professional pursuits, Gowri enjoys swimming, running, and playing the drums, and she is also a talented tutor.
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.