What is it about?
This article explores fossils of hadrosauriform dinosaurs (plant-eaters related to Iguanodon) found in the Maestrat Basin of eastern Spain. It reviews recent discoveries showing that during the Early Cretaceous period (specifically the Barremian-Albian interval), this region hosted a surprisingly large variety of these dinosaurs, significantly more species than scientists previously thought were living there.
Featured Image
Photo by Andy Cat on Unsplash
Why is it important?
The paper highlights the Maestrat Basin's unique role in dinosaur evolution. Finding multiple hadrosauriform species (Iguanodon galvensis, Portellsaurus, Morelladon, etc.) co-existing here contrasts sharply with other parts of Early Cretaceous Europe, which seemed dominated by just Iguanodon and Mantellisaurus. This discovery challenges previous evolutionary models and pinpoints the Iberian Peninsula as a crucial center for hadrosauriform diversification.
Perspectives
This is a valuable synthesis demonstrating how focused regional paleontological work can overturn long-held assumptions about dinosaur distribution and evolution. The compiled evidence strongly suggests Iberia wasn't just following European trends but was a distinct hub of hadrosauriform diversity. It’s a compelling case study on the importance of local fossil records for understanding global patterns in the deep past.
Andrés Santos-Cubedo
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Los dinosaurios de la cuenca del Maestrat: Evolución de los hadrosauriformes en el este de la península ibérica, Metode Science Studies Journal, January 2024, Universitat de Valencia,
DOI: 10.7203/metode.14.24534.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
