“The hunchback hunter of Las Hoyas”

2010/09/09 Aulestiarte Lete, Izaro - Elhuyar Zientziaren Komunikazioa

• Paleontologia
• Arkeologia

Fossilized remains of a new carnivorous teropod dinosaur from the lower Cretaceous (about 125 million years ago) have been found at the site of Las Hoyas in Cuenca. The species has been declared Concavenator corcovatus and means “Hunchback of the Hoyas”. One of its most characteristic features is its mysterious bulging of the back. In fact, it seems that of all the dinosaurs that were known so far, this is the only one that has that characteristic. However, the role of this element has not yet been clarified.

Concavenator has other characteristics that have surprised to discover certain bumps in the humerus or humerus. Similar to these bulges are common in some birds of today, with which the biggest feathers are added to the wings. Well, if the interpretation of the scientists is correct, and although this specific species is not of pen, it can be concluded that the dinosaurs had structures similar to the lumas long before expected.

UNED and UAM researchers 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 Europe. The species has a total length of about four meters, from the end to the tail.

Image courtesy of: Raúl Martín.