Note: Both the holotype and the paratype of Datai yingliangis are considered to be juvenile specimens. This is an important caveat, as usually no new taxon are based on immature specimen exclusively. While juvenile specimens can give a general anatomical idea; taxa defined on such animals are often revoked and later considered invalid. Notably, the original publication that provided anatomical details about Datai also mentioned that the skull resembles those of immature individuals of Pinacosaurus. Caution is then advised regarding the dinosaur.

Datai is a recently discovered ankylosaur from the Late Cretaceous Period. Unearthed in the Mazhou area of Huichang County, Jiangxi Province, China, this fascinating herbivore roamed the earth approximately 93.9 to 85.8 million years ago. Its discovery has provided significant insights into the diverse cretaceous ecosystems of nowadays China.

Datai yingliangis, the type species of this genus, was identified by a team of international researchers led by Lida Xing. The fossils, first discovered in 2016 and formally published in 2024, reveal a dinosaur well-adapted to its environment. From its robust, protective body armor to its efficient herbivorous diet, Datai showcases the incredible adaptability and survival strategies of ankylosaurs.

Datai Key Facts

Datai Origins, Taxonomy and Timeline

The name “Datai” combines elements from Chinese Pinyin, with “tongda” meaning “to understand” and “antai” meaning “stable.” Together, they form a name that reflects the dinosaur’s robust and well-balanced nature. The suffix “yingliangis” honors the Yingliang Stone Natural History Museum, where the fossils of Datai are curated.

Taxonomically, Datai belongs to the group Ankylosauria, known for their heavy armor and herbivorous diet. Within this group, it is classified as an ankylosaurid, a family characterized by their extensive bony armor and club-like tails. Datai yingliangis is the type species of its genus, highlighting its unique characteristics within the ankylosaurid family.

Datai lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, specifically from the base of the Turonian to the top of the Early/Lower Coniacian Epochs, approximately 93.9 to 85.8 million years ago. This era was a time of significant geological and climatic changes, providing a dynamic backdrop for the evolution of many dinosaur species, including Datai.

Discovery & Fossil Evidence

The fossils of Datai yingliangis were first discovered in 2016 during road construction (in a boulder from previous explosive excavation) in the Zhoutian Formation in Mazhou, Huichang County, Jiangxi Province, China. 

This area is famous for its rich fossil deposits, including many ancient animals like turtles, crocodiles, and dinosaurs. The Yingliang Stone Natural History Museum obtained the fossils in 2018, where they are now kept for study.

The two fossils found up to now main, holotype YLSNHM 01002 and paratype YLSNHM 01003, include two skull, parts of the backbone (dorsal vertebrae), ribs, tail bones with ossified tendons (suggesting it had a tail club), parts of the shoulder area (pectoral girdles), the left arm (part of humerus, ulna and radius), part of the hip bone (partial left ilium), a piece of the right thigh bone (femur), and some bony armor plates (osteoderms). Those two specimens were likely two different individuals.

In 2024, Xing etal., formerly described the material and created the new taxon Datai yingliangis as a new type of ankylosaur. These well-preserved fossils have provided a lot of information about Datai’s physical features and how it lived, making it one of the best-documented dinosaurs of its kind.

Datai Size and Description

Short Description of Datai

Datai was a medium-sized ankylosaur, characterized by its heavy armor and sturdy build. Its body was covered with bony plates, providing protection against predators. The dinosaur had a broad, low-slung body with strong, short legs that supported its considerable weight. Datai’s tail, though not equipped with a club like some of its relatives, was still heavily armored.

Interestingly, Datai had two horns on the cheek. One was projecting posterolaterally. The second horn, smaller, was placed below the first one and project ventrally, so that it overlaid the jaw articulation. 

This dinosaur moved on all four legs, a trait common among ankylosaurs, and had a relatively low center of gravity, which helped it remain stable and balanced. The combination of its protective armor and powerful limbs made Datai well-adapted to its environment, allowing it to forage for food while remaining safe from predators.

Size and Weight of Type Species

Datai yingliangis could be measured approximately 8.2 feet long and stood about 3.0 to 4.0 feet tall at the hips. Its robust build and heavy armor contributed to an estimated weight of around 330.0 pounds.

These estimates are based on immature individuals, as they are the only specimens preserved so far. As Datai matured, it would grew larger and more robust, with its armor becoming even more pronounced (similarly to related taxa). These characteristics highlight the dinosaur’s adaptability and survival strategies in the diverse ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous period.

The Dinosaur in Detail

Datai body, like other contemporary ankylosaurs, was covered in heavy armor made up of bony plates and spikes, providing excellent protection against predators. This formidable armor, combined with its powerful limbs, allowed Datai to move confidently through its environment, foraging for food while staying safe from threats. In terms in morphology, the original publication stated that its morphology is somewhat between the older asian ankylosaurids (like Jinyunpelta) and the more derived ankylosaurines from post Cenomanian (like Pinacosaurus). The presence of two distinct horns on its jugal and quadratojugal (cheek bones) set it appart from other species and genus of ankylosaurids.

Another notable characteristic of Datai, like most ankylosaurs, was its robust skeletal structure. The vertebrae and limb bones were strong yet lightweight, a combination that provided both stability and mobility. These adaptations reflect a lifestyle likely focused on defence and efficient movement, which was crucial for surviving in a predator-rich environment. Despite the immature status of the type specimens, Datai yingliangis displayed distinctive features such as double horns on the jugal/quadratojugal bones and extensive throat armor (gular osteoderms).

The well-preserved fossils of Datai are juvenile specimens (one might be slightly more mature than the other). Those specimens then provided valuable insights into ankylosaurs growth patterns. Indeed, juvenile specimens display a different inner bone structure and sometimes shape than adult relatives. These findings have been essential in understanding the life cycle of Datai.

Contemporary Dinosaurs

The area where Datai was discovered didn’t yield any other dinosaurs. Few contemporary dinosaurs have been found on the Asiatic continent, emphasising the importance of the discovery of Datai.

Gandititan is an early-diverging titanosaur from China, described recently in 2024. This giant and peaceful herbivorous animal was not sharing it’s ecosystem with Datai, as it was probably feeding on much higher vegetation. Encountered could have happened between the two dinosaurs, but were more likely peaceful.

Amtocephale, a pachycephalosaur from the Gobi desert in Mongolia, was also likely part of the broader picture. Researchers described this small dinosaur based on its skull dome, estimating it to be roughly the same size as Datai. However, they likely did not share the same environment, as the geological layer where Amtocephale was discovered suggests arid to semi-arid conditions.

Interesting Points about Datai

Datai in its Natural Habitat

Datai thrived in a diverse and dynamic environment during the Late Cretaceous Period. The Zhoutian Formation, where its fossils were discovered, features yellowish and greenish sandstones indicative of varying climates over time. The lower unit of the formation experienced a hot-arid climate with brief cooling periods, while the upper unit had a warm-humid climate with frequent fluctuations. This varied climate created a lush landscape with abundant vegetation, providing ample food sources for herbivorous dinosaurs like Datai.

As a herbivore, Datai’s diet mainly consisted of low-lying plants, ferns, and small shrubs. The presence of other large herbivores, such as Gobisaurus, in the same ecosystem suggests a complex environment with diverse dietary niches. Datai likely coexisted with a variety of invertebrates, plant life, and other dinosaurs, including sauropods and hadrosaurids, further enriching its habitat.

Datai likely lived in small groups or herds, a common behavior among herbivorous dinosaurs to enhance protection against predators. Living in groups provided extra vigilance, as their keen senses could detect danger early. Datai’s sharp vision and hearing were essential for spotting predators like Gallimimus from a distance, giving them time to react and seek cover. These social behaviors and sensory adaptations were crucial for their survival. By foraging together, Datai individuals could take turns watching for predators while others fed. This cooperative behavior enhanced their chances of surviving in the diverse and predator-rich ecosystems of the Late Cretaceous Period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

The information in this article is based on various sources, drawing on scientific research, fossil evidence, and expert analysis. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and accurate overview of Datai.

Article last fact checked: Joey Arboleda, 07-17-2024

Featured Image Credit: UnexpectedDinoLesson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons