Description and Classification

Datanglong was a large predatory dinosaur, a type of theropod. Based on the size of its bones, scientists estimate it grew to be about 7 to 8 meters (23 to 26 feet) long. The only known fossils of Datanglong include parts of its backbone (vertebrae from the back, hip, and tail), a nearly complete right hip bone (ilium), and part of another hip bone (ischium). These bones show that Datanglong was a powerfully built carnivorous dinosaur.

Datanglong belongs to a group of theropods called Carnosauria, and more specifically, it is classified as a member of the Carcharodontosauria. This group includes some of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs, such as Carcharodontosaurus from Africa and Giganotosaurus from South America. Datanglong is considered a relatively early or “basal” member of this group. It possesses a mix of features seen in other allosauroids like Sinraptor, but also some unique traits. Its discovery helps paleontologists understand how these giant predators evolved and spread across different parts of the world, particularly in Asia during the Early Cretaceous.

Distinguishing Features

Datanglong can be identified by several unique characteristics found in its bones, particularly in its vertebrae and hip structure. These features help to set it apart from other related theropod dinosaurs:

• Its tail vertebrae near the hip had relatively tall, upright projections on top called neural spines.
• The hip bone (ilium) had a unique shape and combination of features that differ from other allosauroids like Allosaurus and more advanced carcharodontosaurs.
• The front part of its tail vertebrae had distinct downward projections called hypapophyses, which are not common in all carcharodontosaurians.
• A deep pit, called a cuppedicus fossa, was present on its ilium, a feature shared with some other carcharodontosaurians.

Paleoenvironment and Diet

Datanglong lived in what is now southeastern China during the Early Cretaceous period. The environment of the Xinlong Formation, where its fossils were found, was likely a warm, humid region with forests and river systems. This area supported a variety of plant life and other dinosaurs. While specific dinosaurs from the same layer as Datanglong are still being researched, generally, Early Cretaceous China was home to sauropods (long-necked plant-eaters), ornithopods (beaked plant-eaters), and other theropods.

As a large carcharodontosaurian, Datanglong was a carnivore, meaning it ate meat. It would have been one of the top predators in its ecosystem. Its size and sharp teeth, typical of its group, suggest it likely hunted medium to large-sized herbivorous dinosaurs that shared its habitat. It may have also scavenged if opportunities arose.

Significance and Ongoing Research

The discovery of Datanglong is important because it adds to our knowledge of the diversity of large theropod dinosaurs in Early Cretaceous Asia. It provides valuable information about the early evolution and geographical distribution of carcharodontosaurians, a group of giant predators that were successful worldwide. Datanglong’s unique mix of anatomical features makes it an interesting case study for how different theropod groups are related to each other.

Because Datanglong is known only from an incomplete skeleton, further research is needed. Paleontologists hope to find more fossils of this dinosaur. Additional remains would help to create a more complete picture of its appearance, its full size, and its lifestyle. More complete specimens would also help scientists to more precisely place Datanglong within the theropod family tree and understand its relationship to other giant meat-eaters like Allosaurus, Sinraptor, and later carcharodontosaurs such as Carcharodontosaurus and Giganotosaurus.