Scientists have announced the discovery of a new species of dinosaur that may have been a diving predator, similar to a penguin or duck.

Researchers wrote that the Natovenator polydontus "was a potentially capable swimming predator," and had a hollow body with streamlined ribs.

"The streamlined body of the Natovenator also reflects the high diversity of body shapes among non-avian dinosaurs and exemplifies convergent evolution with diving birds," the study continued.

Dinosaurs were previously thought of as strictly land-dwelling creatures, but more evidence has emerged to suggest they spent as much time in water.