HOME > Concavenator Name Meaning
Introduction
Concavenator is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 130 million years ago. It was first discovered in 2010 in the Las Hoyas fossil site in Spain, and was named by paleontologists Francisco Ortega, Fernando Escaso, and José Sanz. The name Concavenator means 'hump-backed hunter' in reference to the distinctive hump on its back.
Physical Characteristics
Concavenator was a medium-sized dinosaur, measuring approximately 6 meters in length and weighing around 1,000 kilograms. Its most distinctive feature was the hump on its back, which was formed by elongated neural spines on its vertebrae. The purpose of this hump is still unknown, but it has been suggested that it may have served as a storage area for fat or as a display feature to attract mates.
Discovery and Naming
The first fossils of Concavenator were discovered in 2003 by a team of paleontologists led by José Luis Sanz. The fossils were found in the Las Hoyas fossil site in Cuenca, Spain, which is known for its well-preserved fossils from the Early Cretaceous period. The fossils included a partial skeleton, including the skull, vertebrae, ribs, and limbs.
Significance in Paleontology
Concavenator is significant in the field of paleontology because it is one of the few known theropod dinosaurs with preserved skin impressions. These impressions reveal that Concavenator had a covering of scales and feathers, which is evidence of the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and birds. The discovery of Concavenator also sheds light on the diversity of dinosaurs in Spain during the Early Cretaceous period, which was previously thought to be a relatively unimportant time for dinosaur evolution.
Spanish Dinosaurs
Concavenator is one of several dinosaur genera that have been discovered in Spain in recent years. Other notable Spanish dinosaurs include Turiasaurus, a giant sauropod dinosaur, and Atapuerca, a small theropod dinosaur. The discovery of these dinosaurs has helped to establish Spain as an important location for dinosaur research and has contributed to our understanding of dinosaur evolution in Europe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Concavenator is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period. Its name means 'hump-backed hunter' in reference to the distinctive hump on its back. The discovery of Concavenator has contributed to our understanding of dinosaur evolution and sheds light on the diversity of dinosaurs in Spain during the Early Cretaceous period.
