What is it about?
This paper describes Garumbatitan morellensis, a new species of giant, long-necked dinosaur (sauropod) discovered in Morella, Spain. Dating from the Early Cretaceous period, fossils from several individuals, including remarkably complete feet, reveal unique anatomical features distinguishing it from its relatives.
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Why is it important?
Garumbatitan offers crucial insights into a poorly understood phase of sauropod evolution. Its unique foot structure (e.g., absent heel bone, distinct toe proportions) is particularly significant. The discovery helps clarify the complex diversity and intercontinental relationships of sauropods in Iberia during the Early Cretaceous.
Perspectives
Finding multiple associated individuals, especially with preserved feet, was exceptional. Garumbatitan's distinct anatomy, particularly its foot, was unexpected and highlights evolutionary pathways different from other known sauropods, underscoring the importance of the Iberian region for understanding dinosaur evolution.
Andrés Santos-Cubedo
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: New sauropod dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous of Morella (Spain) provides new insights on the evolutionary history of Iberian somphospondylan titanosauriforms, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, September 2023, Oxford University Press (OUP),
DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad124.
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