Researchers from Canada, Hong Kong, and China have discovered a new species of Chinese troodontid with asymmetric feathers. The team found the fossilized specimen in Liaoning, China, where several other well-preserved fossils have been unearthed. The researchers believe that their finding could extend knowledge about the emergence of certain trait further back in time.

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The new species of troodontid was dated to about 125 million years ago and named Jianianhualong tengi - describing the quality of having asymmetrical feathers. According to the researchers, the skull and legs of J. tengi are similar to the later troodontids, but the arms and pelvis closely are similar to the earlier species. The researchers suggest that J. tengi may be an intermediary species.

The fossilized specimen has characteristics of a bird-like dinosaur, approximately three feet tall with mouthful teeth and probably covered in feathers. However, the researchers are not sure if the bird-like dinosaur was able to fly. The evidence found at the site indicates that the creature had a long tail with asymmetric feathers, as well as on its arms and legs.

The specimen was also classified to be part of a larger group of troodontids, including those that have gone extinct and are alive today. The findings also shed some light on the group of bird-like dinosaurs that evolved into a bird.

Apart from these, the creature was also placed in an asymmetric feathers and phylogenetic tree. The researchers assume that it may likely be the common ancestor of birds and troodontids and further study is needed to link the two back in time.