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{{Short description|Extinct genus of dinosaurs}}
{{distinguish|Velociraptor}}
{{distinguish|Velociraptor}}
{{speciesbox
{{speciesbox
| fossil_range = [[Late Cretaceous]], {{fossilrange|85|earliest=86|latest=83}}
| fossil_range = [[Santonian]]<br />~{{fossilrange|85|earliest=86|latest=83}}
| image = Velocisaurus holotype left foot.png
| image = Velocisaurus holotype left foot.png
| image_caption = A diagram of bones preserved in the holotype left foot of ''Velocisaurus''
| image_caption = A diagram of bones preserved in the holotype left foot of ''Velocisaurus''
| image_upright = 0.5
| image_upright = 0.5
| display_parents = 4
| genus = Velocisaurus
| genus = Velocisaurus
| authority = [[José Bonaparte|Bonaparte]], 1991
| authority = [[José Bonaparte|Bonaparte]], 1991
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}}
}}


'''''Velocisaurus''''' ("swift lizard") is a [[genus]] of [[ceratosauria]]n [[theropod]] [[dinosaur]] from the [[Cretaceous]] period of [[Argentina]].
'''''Velocisaurus''''' ("swift lizard") is a [[genus]] of [[Noasauridae|noasaurid]] [[theropod]] [[dinosaur]] from the [[Late Cretaceous]] period of [[Argentina]].


==Description==
== Description ==
⚫
[[File:Velocisaurus.jpg|thumb|left|Restoration of ''Velocisaurus'', with head based on that of ''[[Masiakasaurus]]'']]
''Velocisaurus'' was probably around {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} long, based on a [[tibia]] length of {{convert|14|cm}}.<ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Grillo | first1 = O. N. | last2 = Delcourt | first2 = R. |date = 2016 | title = Allometry and body length of abelisauroid theropods: ''Pycnonemosaurus nevesi'' is the new king | url = http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667116301902 | journal = Cretaceous Research | doi = 10.1016/j.cretres.2016.09.001}}</ref> This makes it the smallest noasaurid. The foot is unique in that the middle (third) [[metatarsal]] has become the main weight-bearing element. Its upper end has thickened whereas the shafts of the adjoining second and fourth metatarsals have thinned considerably. Such a configuration is unknown for other theropods, including birds. Bonaparte explained it as an adaptation for a cursorial (running) lifestyle. The high speed would have been necessary to escape larger theropods; Bonaparte suggested that ''Velocisaurus'' was itself an [[omnivore]], as indicated by the fact that the sole claw found, of the fourth toe, was not trenchant but relatively straight.<ref name="bonaparte"/>
''Velocisaurus'' was probably around {{convert|1.5|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} long, based on a [[tibia]] length of {{convert|14|cm}}.<ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Grillo | first1 = O. N. | last2 = Delcourt | first2 = R. |date = 2016 | title = Allometry and body length of abelisauroid theropods: ''Pycnonemosaurus nevesi'' is the new king | journal = Cretaceous Research | volume = 69 | pages = 71–89 | doi = 10.1016/j.cretres.2016.09.001}}</ref> This makes it the smallest noasaurid, after ''[[Berthasaura]]''. The foot is unique in that the middle (third) [[metatarsal]] has become the main weight-bearing element. Its upper end has thickened whereas the shafts of the adjoining second and fourth metatarsals have thinned considerably. Such a configuration is unknown for other theropods, including birds. Bonaparte explained it as an adaptation for a cursorial (running) lifestyle. The high speed would have been necessary to escape larger theropods; Bonaparte suggested that ''Velocisaurus'' was itself an [[omnivore]], as indicated by the fact that the sole claw found, of the fourth toe, was not trenchant but relatively straight.<ref name="bonaparte"/>
⚫
[[File:Velocisaurus.jpg|thumb|Life restoration of ''Velocisaurus'', modelled after ''[[Masiakasaurus]]''|left]]


''Velocisaurus'' can be characterized by several traits unknown in other [[Abelisaur]]oids. These include:<ref name=":0" />
''Velocisaurus'' can be characterized by several traits unknown in other [[Abelisaur]]oids. These include:<ref name=":0" />
* A subtriangular cross section of the [[femur]], with the medial and lateral sides converging to form a thick crest pointing anteriorly (a subtriangular cross section of the femur is also known in ''[[Masiakasaurus]]'').
* A subtriangular cross section of the [[femur]], with the medial and lateral sides converging to form a thick crest pointing anteriorly (a subtriangular cross section of the femur is also known in ''[[Masiakasaurus]]'').
* A long and slender [[tibia]] with an large anteriorly flat distal end to accommodate a large ascending process of the [[Talus bone|astragalus]] (reminiscent of derived [[Coelurosauria|coelurosaurs]] and [[Ornithomimidae|ornithomimids]]).
* A long and slender [[tibia]] with a large anteriorly flat distal end to accommodate a large ascending process of the [[Talus bone|astragalus]] (reminiscent of derived [[Coelurosauria|coelurosaurs]] and [[Ornithomimidae|ornithomimids]]).
* Very thin and rod-like metatarsals II and IV (metatarsal II is reduced to a lesser extent in other [[Noasauridae|noasaurids]] and some [[Abelisauridae|abelisaurids]] as well).
* Very thin and rod-like metatarsals II and IV (metatarsal II is reduced to a lesser extent in other [[Noasauridae|noasaurids]] and some [[Abelisauridae|abelisaurids]] as well).
* An anteroposteriorly short and dorsoventrally tall subtriangular pedal [[Phalanx bone|phalanx]] IV-1, with a narrow dorsal surface.
* An anteroposteriorly short and dorsoventrally tall subtriangular pedal [[Phalanx bone|phalanx]] IV-1, with a narrow dorsal surface.


==History of discovery==
== History of discovery ==
In 1985 [[Oscar de Ferrariis]] and [[Zulma Brandoni de Gasparini]] uncovered fossils at [[Boca del Sapo]] in [[Neuquén province]] of [[Patagonia]] from layers of the [[Bajo de la Carpa Formation]], dating from the [[Santonian]]. Among them was the right lower hind limb of a small theropod. In 1991 this dinosaur was described and named by [[José Bonaparte]] as ''Velocisaurus unicus''. The generic name is derived from [[Latin]] ''velox'', "swift", a reference to the fact that the hind leg and foot show adaptations for running. The [[specific name (zoology)|specific name]] means "unique" in Latin, referring to the exceptional build of the foot. The genus and species are based on the [[holotype]] MUCPv&nbsp;41, a nearly complete right leg which is part of the collection of the [[Museo de la Universidad Nacional del Comahue]].<ref name="bonaparte">Bonaparte J.F. (1991). "Los vertebrados fósiles de la Formación Rio Colorado, de la Ciudad de Neuquén y Cercanías, Cretácico Superior, Argentina" [The fossil vertebrates of the Rio Colorado Formation, of the city of Neuquén and surroundings, Upper Cretaceous, Argentina]. ''Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" e Instituto Nacional de Investigación de las Ciencias Naturales. Paleontología'' '''4''': 17-123</ref> A somewhat complete left leg, specimen MPCN-PV-370, was described in 2016.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal|last1=Egli|first1=F. B.|last2=AgnolÍn|first2=F. L.|last3=Novas|first3=Fernando|title=A new specimen of Velocisaurus unicus (Theropoda, Abelisauroidea) from the Paso Córdoba locality (Santonian), Río Negro, Argentina|journal=Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology|date=2016|volume=36|issue=4|pages=e1119156|doi=10.1080/02724634.2016.1119156|url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02724634.2016.1119156?journalCode=ujvp20|issn=0272-4634}}</ref>
In 1985 [[Oscar de Ferrariis]] and [[Zulma Brandoni de Gasparini]] uncovered fossils at [[Boca del Sapo]] in [[Neuquén province]] of [[Patagonia]] from layers of the [[Bajo de la Carpa Formation]], dating from the [[Santonian]]. Among them was the right lower hind limb of a small theropod. In 1991 this dinosaur was described and named by [[José Bonaparte]] as ''Velocisaurus unicus''. The generic name is derived from [[Latin]] ''velox'', "swift", a reference to the fact that the hind leg and foot show adaptations for running. The [[specific name (zoology)|specific name]] means "unique" in Latin, referring to the exceptional build of the foot. The genus and species are based on the [[holotype]] MUCPv&nbsp;41, a nearly complete right leg which is part of the collection of the [[Museo de la Universidad Nacional del Comahue]].<ref name="bonaparte">Bonaparte J.F. (1991). "Los vertebrados fósiles de la Formación Rio Colorado, de la Ciudad de Neuquén y Cercanías, Cretácico Superior, Argentina" [The fossil vertebrates of the Rio Colorado Formation, of the city of Neuquén and surroundings, Upper Cretaceous, Argentina]. ''Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" e Instituto Nacional de Investigación de las Ciencias Naturales. Paleontología'' '''4''': 17-123</ref> A somewhat complete left leg, specimen MPCN-PV-370, was described in 2016.<ref name=":0">{{cite journal|last1=Egli|first1=F. B.|last2=AgnolÍn|first2=F. L.|last3=Novas|first3=Fernando|title=A new specimen of Velocisaurus unicus (Theropoda, Abelisauroidea) from the Paso Córdoba locality (Santonian), Río Negro, Argentina|journal=Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology|date=2016|volume=36|issue=4|pages=e1119156|doi=10.1080/02724634.2016.1119156|bibcode=2016JVPal..36E9156B |issn=0272-4634|hdl=11336/46726|hdl-access=free}}</ref>


==Classification==
== Classification ==
Bonaparte originally assigned ''Velocisaurus'' to a family of its own, the [[Velocisauridae]]. A study of theropod relationships by [[Fernando Novas]] and [[Sebastian Apesteguia]] in 2003 showed that ''Velocisaurus'' was a close relative of the strange ceratosaur ''[[Masiakasaurus]]''. These two may form a subfamily, the [[Velocisaurinae]].<ref>F. AGNOLÍN, F. NOVAS and S. APESTEGUÍA (2003). "Velocisaurids in South America and Madagascar". ''Ameghiniana'' '''40'''(4): 77R. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘B. Rivadavia’, Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, (1405) Buenos Aires, Argentina</ref> In 2004 this subfamily was assigned to the [[Noasauridae]] within the more inclusive [[Abelisauroidea]].<ref>F. E. Novas, F. L. Agnolin, and S. Bandyopadhyay, 2004, "Cretaceous theropods from India: a review of specimens described by Huene and Matley (1933)", ''Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, nuevo serie'' '''6'''(1): 67-103</ref>
Bonaparte originally assigned ''Velocisaurus'' to a family of its own, the [[Velocisauridae]]. A study of theropod relationships by [[Fernando Novas]] and [[Sebastian Apesteguia]] in 2003 showed that ''Velocisaurus'' was a close relative of the strange ceratosaur ''[[Masiakasaurus]]''. These two may form a subfamily, the [[Velocisaurinae]].<ref>F. AGNOLÍN, F. NOVAS and S. APESTEGUÍA (2003). "Velocisaurids in South America and Madagascar". ''Ameghiniana'' '''40'''(4): 77R. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘B. Rivadavia’, Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, (1405) Buenos Aires, Argentina</ref> In 2004 this subfamily was assigned to the [[Noasauridae]] within the more inclusive [[Abelisauroidea]].<ref>F. E. Novas, F. L. Agnolin, and S. Bandyopadhyay, 2004, "Cretaceous theropods from India: a review of specimens described by Huene and Matley (1933)", ''Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, nuevo serie'' '''6'''(1): 67-103</ref>


==Palaeobiology==
== Palaeobiology ==
In a 2001 study conducted by Bruce Rothschild and other paleontologists, 12 foot bones referred to ''Velocisaurus'' were examined for signs of [[stress fracture]], but none were found.<ref name="rothschild-dino">Rothschild, B., Tanke, D. H., and Ford, T. L., 2001, Theropod stress fractures and tendon avulsions as a clue to activity: In: Mesozoic Vertebrate Life, edited by Tanke, D. H., and Carpenter, K., Indiana University Press, p. 331-336.</ref>
In a 2001 study conducted by Bruce Rothschild and other paleontologists, 12 foot bones referred to ''Velocisaurus'' were examined for signs of [[stress fracture]], but none were found.<ref name="rothschild-dino">Rothschild, B., Tanke, D. H., and Ford, T. L., 2001, Theropod stress fractures and tendon avulsions as a clue to activity: In: Mesozoic Vertebrate Life, edited by Tanke, D. H., and Carpenter, K., Indiana University Press, p. 331-336.</ref>


==See also==
== See also ==
⚫
{{Portal|Dinosaurs}}
* [[Timeline of ceratosaur research]]
* [[Timeline of ceratosaur research]]


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{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Ceratosauria}}
{{Theropoda|B.}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q311492}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q311492}}
⚫
{{Portal bar|Dinosaurs}}


[[Category:Abelisaurs]]
[[Category:Noasaurids]]
[[Category:Santonian life]]
[[Category:Late Cretaceous dinosaurs of South America]]
[[Category:Late Cretaceous dinosaurs of South America]]
⚫
[[Category:Bajo de la Carpa Formation]]
[[Category:Cretaceous Argentina]]
[[Category:Cretaceous Argentina]]
[[Category:Fossils of Argentina]]
[[Category:Fossils of Argentina]]
⚫
[[Category:Bajo de la Carpa Formation]]
[[Category:Fossil taxa described in 1991]]
[[Category:Fossil taxa described in 1991]]
[[Category:Taxa named by José Bonaparte]]
[[Category:Taxa named by José Bonaparte]]

Latest revision as of 17:42, 13 July 2024

Not to be confused with Velociraptor.

Velocisaurus
Temporal range: Santonian
~85 Ma
↓
A diagram of bones preserved in the holotype left foot of Velocisaurus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Dinosauria
Clade: Saurischia
Clade: Theropoda
Clade: †Abelisauria
Family: †Noasauridae
Subfamily: †Noasaurinae
Genus: †Velocisaurus
Species:
†V. unicus
Binomial name
†Velocisaurus unicus
Bonaparte, 1991

Velocisaurus ("swift lizard") is a genus of noasaurid theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period of Argentina.

Description

[edit]
Restoration of Velocisaurus, with head based on that of Masiakasaurus

Velocisaurus was probably around 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) long, based on a tibia length of 14 centimetres (5.5 in).[1] This makes it the smallest noasaurid, after Berthasaura. The foot is unique in that the middle (third) metatarsal has become the main weight-bearing element. Its upper end has thickened whereas the shafts of the adjoining second and fourth metatarsals have thinned considerably. Such a configuration is unknown for other theropods, including birds. Bonaparte explained it as an adaptation for a cursorial (running) lifestyle. The high speed would have been necessary to escape larger theropods; Bonaparte suggested that Velocisaurus was itself an omnivore, as indicated by the fact that the sole claw found, of the fourth toe, was not trenchant but relatively straight.[2]

Velocisaurus can be characterized by several traits unknown in other Abelisauroids. These include:[3]

  • A subtriangular cross section of the femur, with the medial and lateral sides converging to form a thick crest pointing anteriorly (a subtriangular cross section of the femur is also known in Masiakasaurus).
  • A long and slender tibia with a large anteriorly flat distal end to accommodate a large ascending process of the astragalus (reminiscent of derived coelurosaurs and ornithomimids).
  • Very thin and rod-like metatarsals II and IV (metatarsal II is reduced to a lesser extent in other noasaurids and some abelisaurids as well).
  • An anteroposteriorly short and dorsoventrally tall subtriangular pedal phalanx IV-1, with a narrow dorsal surface.

History of discovery

[edit]

In 1985 Oscar de Ferrariis and Zulma Brandoni de Gasparini uncovered fossils at Boca del Sapo in Neuquén province of Patagonia from layers of the Bajo de la Carpa Formation, dating from the Santonian. Among them was the right lower hind limb of a small theropod. In 1991 this dinosaur was described and named by José Bonaparte as Velocisaurus unicus. The generic name is derived from Latin velox, "swift", a reference to the fact that the hind leg and foot show adaptations for running. The specific name means "unique" in Latin, referring to the exceptional build of the foot. The genus and species are based on the holotype MUCPv 41, a nearly complete right leg which is part of the collection of the Museo de la Universidad Nacional del Comahue.[2] A somewhat complete left leg, specimen MPCN-PV-370, was described in 2016.[3]

Classification

[edit]

Bonaparte originally assigned Velocisaurus to a family of its own, the Velocisauridae. A study of theropod relationships by Fernando Novas and Sebastian Apesteguia in 2003 showed that Velocisaurus was a close relative of the strange ceratosaur Masiakasaurus. These two may form a subfamily, the Velocisaurinae.[4] In 2004 this subfamily was assigned to the Noasauridae within the more inclusive Abelisauroidea.[5]

Palaeobiology

[edit]

In a 2001 study conducted by Bruce Rothschild and other paleontologists, 12 foot bones referred to Velocisaurus were examined for signs of stress fracture, but none were found.[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Grillo, O. N.; Delcourt, R. (2016). "Allometry and body length of abelisauroid theropods: Pycnonemosaurus nevesi is the new king". Cretaceous Research. 69: 71–89. doi:10.1016/j.cretres.2016.09.001.
  2. ^ a b Bonaparte J.F. (1991). "Los vertebrados fósiles de la Formación Rio Colorado, de la Ciudad de Neuquén y Cercanías, Cretácico Superior, Argentina" [The fossil vertebrates of the Rio Colorado Formation, of the city of Neuquén and surroundings, Upper Cretaceous, Argentina]. Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia" e Instituto Nacional de Investigación de las Ciencias Naturales. Paleontología 4: 17-123
  3. ^ a b Egli, F. B.; AgnolÍn, F. L.; Novas, Fernando (2016). "A new specimen of Velocisaurus unicus (Theropoda, Abelisauroidea) from the Paso Córdoba locality (Santonian), Río Negro, Argentina". Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 36 (4): e1119156. Bibcode:2016JVPal..36E9156B. doi:10.1080/02724634.2016.1119156. hdl:11336/46726. ISSN 0272-4634.
  4. ^ F. AGNOLÍN, F. NOVAS and S. APESTEGUÍA (2003). "Velocisaurids in South America and Madagascar". Ameghiniana 40(4): 77R. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ‘B. Rivadavia’, Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, (1405) Buenos Aires, Argentina
  5. ^ F. E. Novas, F. L. Agnolin, and S. Bandyopadhyay, 2004, "Cretaceous theropods from India: a review of specimens described by Huene and Matley (1933)", Revista del Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, nuevo serie 6(1): 67-103
  6. ^ Rothschild, B., Tanke, D. H., and Ford, T. L., 2001, Theropod stress fractures and tendon avulsions as a clue to activity: In: Mesozoic Vertebrate Life, edited by Tanke, D. H., and Carpenter, K., Indiana University Press, p. 331-336.
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