Back when tyrannosaurs were reigning supreme over the Northern Hemisphere , a likewise ferocious predatory animal ( but with a stubbier head ) was ruling in the South . Recently draw in a paper published in theJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology , Llukalkan aliocranianuswas a key centre - use up predator munch its way through the later Cretaceous . As long as an elephant with an telling bite force and tooth and claws for mean solar day , its telling characteristics – which differ from closely - related specimens – demonstrate that we have much leave to discover about the diverseness of a group of dinosaurs screw as the abelisaurids .
The verbal description is based on fossilise remains ofL. aliocranianuswhich include a superbly preserved ( and , crucially , uncrushed ) brainpan which revealed Modern insight into how this dinosaur assess its environment . Holes in its skull through which its blood vessel would have pass were larger in this species equate to skulls of other abelisaurids . Its middle ear also differed , with a small posterior aviation - filled sinus at its center .
The researchers on the discipline consider this to have in mind thatL. aliocranianushad better sense of hearing than its congener , with potentiality similar to that of current - Clarence Day crocodiles . If correct , it ’s opine these fresh - and - improved adaptations show that abelisaurids were in their prime when they went extinct , wipe out at a time when they were still trying their hand at dissimilar evolutionary pathways give cost increase to a diverse kitchen range of lineament among abelisaurid dinosaur . Bummer .
While its head may be stubby , the researchers recall it may have romp some snazzy accessories with bulges similar to that of Gila monsters or some iguanas . Its full name is really descend from the aboriginal Mapuche for “ one who causes fear ” and the Latin for “ different skull ” – Llukalkan aliocranianusrespectively . With its telling sizing and enhanced sense of hearing , it ’s likelyL. aliocranianuswas among the top predators lurching around what ’s now known as Patagonia ( back when it was still part of the subcontinent , Gondwana ) . It also shared its diggings with the abelisauridViavenator exxoniwhose remains have been find out near the internet site whereL. aliocranianuswas find in La Invernada , Argentina .
“ This is a particularly important discovery because it indicate that the diversity and abundance of abelisaurids were remarkable , not only across Patagonia , but also in more local area during the dinosaurs ’ dusk period ” , say lead generator Dr Federico Gianechini , a paleontologist at the National University of San Luis , Argentina , in astatement . “ This discovery also suggests that there are likely more abelisaurid out there that we just have n’t found yet , so we will be appear for other newfangled mintage and a better sympathy of the human relationship among furilesaurs . ”
