South Korea’s first new dinosaur species in 15 years has been officially named, and it comes with a surprising twist.
Doolysaurus huhmini was discovered in 2023 on Aphae Island, with researchers revealing that the turkey-sized dinosaur was a fast, two-legged omnivore.
Co-author Hyemin Jo uncovered the fossil and later analyzed it using micro-CT imaging, allowing scientists to examine internal structures without damaging the specimen.
Unlike many Korean dinosaur finds, which are mostly footprints and eggs, Doolysaurus includes preserved skull material. Because of this, Dooly is one of the most significant body fossil discoveries in the country, as it helps researchers better understand how small dinosaurs lived in Asia 113 to 94 million years ago.
Meet Doolysaurus huhmini
Scientists estimate that the skeleton of the tiny dino is between zero and two years old, while stomach stones found alongside the fossil, suggest it had a more flexible diet. While many related dinosaurs were primarily herbivores, the team says Doolysaurus likely ate both plants and small animals.
Scientists have now classified the Dooly as an early dinosaur from the Thescelosauridae family, a fast-moving, plant-eating species that walked on two legs.
The find also adds weight to the idea that these dinosaurs may have originated in Asia before spreading to other parts of the world.
As for the cute dinosaur’s name, Doolysaurus is a reference to “Dooly the Little Dinosaur,” a popular cartoon character created in 1983, while “huhmini” honors paleontologist Min Huh for his contributions to dinosaur research in Korea.
Researchers say the discovery could point to more fossils waiting to be uncovered in the region, particularly on Aphae Island, where similar rock formations remain largely unexplored.
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