Almas

Description and Classification

Almas was a relatively small, bird-like dinosaur, estimated to be around 1.5 to 2 meters (about 5 to 6.5 feet) long and lightly built. Like other troodontids, it walked on two legs and was likely covered in feathers, although direct fossil evidence of feathers has not yet been found for Almas itself. Scientists infer the presence of feathers based on discoveries in closely related troodontid species. Almas would have been a fast and agile creature, with long legs well-suited for running. Troodontids are known for having some of the largest brains relative to their body size among non-avian dinosaurs, suggesting Almas was quite intelligent for its time.

Almas belongs to the family Troodontidae, a group of small to medium-sized theropod dinosaurs distinguished by their slender bodies, sharp teeth, and large brains. Theropods are the bipedal, mostly carnivorous group of dinosaurs that includes giants like Tyrannosaurus rex and agile hunters like Velociraptor. Troodontids are considered to be very closely related to birds. Within the Troodontidae family, Almas is thought to be a more advanced member. It shares anatomical features with other troodontids from Asia, such as Gobivenator and Saurornithoides, which helps paleontologists understand how this group of dinosaurs evolved and diversified across ancient Laurasia (the northern supercontinent).

Distinguishing Features

Almas possessed several features that help paleontologists identify it and differentiate it from other troodontids. While many of these are subtle details in its bones, some key characteristics include:

• A distinct bony shelf on the outer surface of its lower jaw bone (the surangular).
• Unique grooves present on the undersides of some of its neck vertebrae (the bones of the neck).
• A relatively short deltopectoral crest (a ridge for muscle attachment) on its upper arm bone (humerus), making up about 25% of the humerus’s length.
• A specific shape of its pubic bone (one of the bones forming the pelvis), particularly the pubic “boot” at its lower end, which had a very short forward-pointing projection.
• Like other troodontids, Almas would have had large, forward-facing eyes, providing good binocular vision for hunting, and a retractable, sickle-shaped claw on the second toe of each foot, though likely not as large or prominently used as those seen in dromaeosaurs like Velociraptor.

Paleoenvironment and Diet

Almas lived in what is now the Gobi Desert in Mongolia. During the Late Cretaceous period, this region was an arid or semi-arid environment characterized by vast sand dune fields, interspersed with occasional oases and seasonal streams. This ecosystem, preserved within the rocks of the Djadochta Formation, supported a diverse community of dinosaurs. Almas shared its habitat with well-known dinosaurs such as the herbivorous Protoceratops, the beaked Oviraptor, the armored ankylosaur Pinacosaurus, and other theropods like Velociraptor. Small mammals, lizards, and other creatures also thrived in this environment.

Based on the features common to troodontids, Almas was likely an omnivore or a carnivore that preyed on small animals. Its sharp, numerous teeth, keen eyesight, and agile body would have made it an effective hunter of small vertebrates like lizards and early mammals, insects, and possibly the young of other dinosaurs. Some studies suggest troodontids might also have consumed eggs or even some plant material, indicating that Almas could have had a varied diet, an advantage in its challenging desert habitat.

Significance and Ongoing Research

The discovery of Almas is significant because it adds to our understanding of troodontid diversity and evolution, particularly in Asia, which was a major hub for these bird-like dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous. The relatively complete nature of the Almas skeleton provides valuable anatomical data, allowing scientists to make detailed comparisons with other troodontids. This helps to refine the troodontid family tree and clarify their relationships to each other and to the evolutionary lineage leading to modern birds. Studying Almas contributes to a more complete picture of the animal life and ecological interactions within the ancient Gobi Desert ecosystem.

Ongoing research involving Almas includes further comparative anatomical studies with newly discovered troodontid specimens from Asia and North America. Paleontologists continue to explore the Djadochta Formation and other fossil-rich areas in Mongolia, with the hope of finding additional Almas fossils or remains of related species. Future research may involve more detailed analysis of its braincase (if sufficiently preserved) to infer more about its sensory capabilities and intelligence. Each new fossil and study helps to illuminate more about these intelligent, agile dinosaurs and the dynamic world they inhabited millions of years ago.