A preserved fossil of a new species of dinosaur has been discovered in China. The fossil was spotted by a farmer and construction workers. The specimen is nearly two meters long and has a toothless beak with wing-like arms. It has been named Tongtianlong limosus, which means "muddy dragon on the road to heaven." 

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The discovery was reported in a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports. The species is believed to have live about 72 million and 66 million years ago. The bird-like dinosaur had feathers and a beak. However, it is believed that the dinosaur did not fly.

The fossil was discovered four years ago during the construction of a school near Ganxian in Jiangxi province. It was unearthed as the laborers were dynamiting the site. The fossil was later taken to the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences in Beijing.

Up to five other oviraptorosaur species were found in southern China. Dr. Stephen Brusatte, a University of Edinburgh paleontologist said, "The fact there were so many of them is a testament to just how well the dinosaurs were doing right up until the end."

This specimen is believed to have died an untimely death as it was stuck in the mud. The fossil's neck is arched, and the head is raised. Brusatte said that it seems the dinosaur was trying to free itself.

The specimen adds a point against the theory that dinosaurs were declining before they faced mass extinction. It is likely that in certain areas they were flourishing before being wiped out completely. 

Tagsdinosaur, oviraptorosaur, china