description Concavenator corcovatus Overview
Concavenator corcovatus is an extinct theropod dinosaur known from a largely articulated Early Cretaceous skeleton discovered at Las Hoyas in Cuenca, Spain. Described in 2010, it belongs to Carcharodontosauria and had two unusually tall vertebral spines that may have supported a hump or crest near the hips. Small structures on its ulna were interpreted as possible quill knobs, although that interpretation remains debated.
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What is the unusual feature on Concavenator corcovatus?
Concavenator had two extraordinarily tall neural spines on its dorsal vertebrae, forming a prominent hump or sail-like structure on its back. The function of this structure remains debated, with hypotheses including thermoregulation, display, or fat storage.
Where was Concavenator corcovatus discovered?
The nearly complete skeleton was found at the Las Hoyas locality in Cuenca, Spain, a Konservat-Lagerstätte known for exquisitely preserved Early Cretaceous fossils. It was formally described in 2010 by a team led by Francisco Ortega.
What dinosaur group does Concavenator belong to?
Concavenator is classified within Carcharodontosauria, a group of large theropod dinosaurs more commonly associated with Gondwanan landmasses. Its discovery in Early Cretaceous Europe was significant because it extended the known range of carcharodontosaurians into the northern continents.
Did Concavenator have feathers?
The describers noted possible quill knobs on the ulna of the holotype, which could suggest feather-like integument. However, this interpretation has been contested by some researchers who argue the markings may represent other soft-tissue features or muscle attachment scars.
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