New Titanosaur Species Qunkasaura Unearthed in Spain, Reveals Late Cretaceous Dinosaur Evolution
April 24, 2025
Unlike many Iberian titanosaurs that evolved in isolation, Qunkasaura appears to have a distinct evolutionary lineage separate from larger-bodied sauropods.
These findings challenge previous assumptions about dinosaur distribution across continents, suggesting that Late Cretaceous Europe acted as a significant biological crossroads.
The discovery of Qunkasaura suggests a potential wave of sauropod immigration into the Iberian Peninsula during the Late Cretaceous, likely influenced by land bridges or changes in sea levels.
A newly discovered titanosaur species, named Qunkasaura pintiquiniestra, has been unearthed in central Spain, shedding light on the evolution of dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period in Europe.
This remarkable find was made at the fossil-rich site of Lo Hueco in Cuenca, where Qunkasaura represents one of the most complete sauropod skeletons ever discovered in Europe.
The fossil remains of Qunkasaura include well-preserved neck, back, and tail vertebrae, along with parts of the pelvis and limbs, offering valuable insights into the anatomy of Iberian titanosaurs.
Qunkasaura is classified within the Titanosauria clade, which thrived during the Mesozoic era and includes a variety of lineages, such as Lithostrotia.
Titanosaurs are known for their significant size and shape diversity, ranging from small island dwellers to the largest land animals, and they survived until the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.
The evolutionary roots of Qunkasaura indicate origins in the northern hemisphere, particularly linked to the opisthocoelicaudine saltasaurids, which contrasts with the endemic species found in southern Europe.
The unique morphology of Qunkasaura, particularly its tail vertebrae, facilitates detailed comparisons with other titanosaur groups, enhancing our understanding of their evolutionary relationships.
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Indian Defence Review • Apr 23, 2025
New Titanosaur Discovered in Spain Challenges What We Thought We Knew About Dinosaur Evolution