In Depth
Named early in 2016, Fukuivenator has quickly become recognised as one of the more bizarre dinosaurs. We know that Fukuivenator is what is termed a coelurosaur, though the genus displays not only a mix of primitive and advanced features, but also a combination of characteristics of maniraptoran and ornithomimid dinosaurs. It is quite possible that these features may have developed as a case of convergent evolution.
In addition to this mix of features, Fukuivenator also has a proportionately longer neck than that seen in most predatory theropod dinosaurs and heterodont teeth, some of which are flattened into cutting blades similar to some plant eating dinosaurs. What is certain is that Fukuivenator evolved from predatory meat eating dinosaurs, but was already on the path to eating plants. Without stomach contents, it is impossible to say which idea is correct, but we can say that Fukuivenator was capable of eating and digesting meat, and potentially capable of foraging upon plants as well.
With more and more dinosaurs being named after the Fukui Prefecture of Japan great care must be taken not to confuse Fukuivenator with Fukuisaurus, an ornithopod dinosaur, Fukuititan, a sauropod, and especially Fukuiraptor, a predatory theropod dinosaur.
Further Reading
- A bizarre theropod from the Early Cretaceous of Japan highlighting mosaic evolution among coelurosaurians. - Scientific Reports, 6(20478). - Y. Azuma, X. Xu, M. Shibata, S. Kawabe, K. Miyata & T. Imai - 2016.
