Humpback hunter of Las Hoyas

2010/11/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Paleontologia
• Arkeologia

The site of Las Hoyas de Cuenca discovers fossil remains of a carnivorous dinosaur

The site of Las Hoyas de Cuenca has found fossilized remains of a new carnivorous teropod dinosaur from the lower Cretaceous (about 125 million years ago). The species has been declared Concavenator corcovatus, "concordant hunter". One of its most characteristic features is its bulging in the back. In fact, it seems that of all the dinosaurs that were known so far, this is the only one that has that feature. However, the function of this element has not yet been clarified.

Concavenator has other features that have surprised to discover some bumps in the humerus or humerus. Similar to these protuberances are common in some birds of today, since with them the biggest feathers are added to the wings. According to the scientists, and although this specific species is not feathered, it can be concluded that the dinosaurs had structures similar to the lumen long before the expected.

Researchers from UNED and UAM have been studying the fossil for two years. It is the most complete articulated skeleton of the dinosaurs of the Iberian Peninsula and one of the best preserved in all Europe. The species has a total length of about four meters, from the end to the tail.