The largest European theropod dinosaurs: remains of a gigantic megalosaurid and giant theropod tracks from the Kimmeridgian of Asturias, Spain.

摘要: The Kimmeridgian Vega, Terenes and Lastres formations of Asturias have yielded a rich vertebrate fauna, represented by both abundant tracks osteological remains. However, skeletal remains theropod dinosaurs are rare, the diversity has only partially been documented in literature. Here we describe non-dental remain recovered so far, an isolated anterior caudal vertebra, as well largest found. vertebra can be shown to represent megalosaurine megalosaurid represents described from Europe far. also amongst footprints reported any setting assigned two different morphotypes, one being characterized its robustness weak mesaxony, other strong representing more gracile trackmaker. We discuss recently proposed distinction between robust large giant their possible trackmakers during Late Jurassic-Berriasian. In absence complete pedal skeletons most basal tetanurans, identity maker Jurassic is difficult establish. notable megalosaurids fits with whereas slender might made variety including allosaurids, metriocanthosaurids or afrovenatorine megalosaurids, even exceptionally ceratosaurs. Concerning theropods Europe, seem than previously recognized occur basically all deposits where found, allosauroids allosaurids Western metriacanthosaurids eastern areas. Short-term fluctuations sea level allowed exchange islands that constituted Jurassic.