Description Nemegtomaia

size compared human

nemegtomaia estimated have been around 2 m (7 ft) in length, , have weighed 40 kg (85 lb), size extrapolated more known relatives. oviraptorosaur, have been feathered. neural spines of neck (cervical) vertebrae short, , neural arches had x-shaped appearance. middle 3 of these vertebrae largest. scapula (shoulder blade) appears have been 185 mm (7 in) in total length. humerus (upper arm bone) had fossa (depression) in position similar modern birds, atypical among oviraptorosaurs, , appears have been 152 mm (6 in) long. radius of lower arm straight, oval in cross-section, , may have been 144 mm (5 in) long. first finger relatively large , had strong ungual (claw bone), , more massive 2 other fingers. second finger longer first, , third finger smallest. upper margin of ilium of pelvis straight, , though both ilia close each other, not fused together. pubic shaft turned backwards. femur (thigh bone) estimated have been 286 mm (11 in) long, , tibia of lower leg 317 mm long (12 in).

restoration of nesting individual

the skull of nemegtomaia deep, narrow, , short (compared rest of body), , reached 179 mm (7 in) in length. had well-developed crest, formed nasal , premaxilla bones (mainly latter) of snout. vertical front margin of crest formed 90 degree angle upper margin of skull. compared other oviraptorids, nasal processes (projections) of premaxillae barely visible when viewed above (where connected nasal bones on highest points of crest). crest extended hindwards , down, forming round arch @ highest point. diameter of orbit (eye opening) 52 mm (2 in); eyes looked large due shortness of skull. antorbital cavity in front of eye consisted of 2 fenestrae (openings); large antorbital fenestra @ back, , small maxillary fenestra @ front. nemegtomaia distinct other oviraptorids in frontal bone on midline of skull 25% length of parietal bone front back. nares (external nostrils) relatively small , placed high on skull.

the jaws of nemegtomaia toothless, , other oviraptorid dinosaurs, had short snout deep, robust, , parrot-like beak. had hard palate formed premaxillae, vomers, , maxillae, other oviraptorids. palate concave (downwards-projecting), , had cleft on central part. in other oviraptorids, had pair of tooth-like projections on palate directed downwards (a feature has been called pseudo-teeth ). nemegtomaia had small foramina (openings) on sides of suture (joint) between premaxillae @ front of snout, may have been nutrient openings (and indicate presence of keratinous bill). lower jaw short , deep, convex lower surface, , reached 153 mm (6 in) in length. dentary bone of lower jaw reached 50 mm (2 in) @ highest point. mandibular symphysis (where 2 halves of lower jaw connected) short, deep, , pneumatised (air-filled). mandibular fenestra large , located @ front part of lower jaw. in other oviraptorids, front of lower jaw down-turned. though nemegtomaia not possess single features distinguish other oviraptorids (autapomorphies), combination of crest, enlarged first finger, , high number of sacral vertebrae (eight), unique taxon.