Measuring approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) long, the embryonic skeleton of a Massospondylus carinatus dinosaur was preserved inside its egg. The 190-million-year-old fossil was discovered with other Massospondylus embryos—the oldest terrestrial dinosaur embryos yet found.

The find is unique because it is the first time that scientists have been able to chart a dinosaur's growth from embryo to adulthood.

Both the head and strongly bent neck (at right) lie outside of the egg. The posture could be the result of an unsuccessful hatching or a later disturbance.

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