Abstract

New material representing the northernmost titanosauriform from North America is described from the Cloverly Formation (Aptian/Albian) of Montana, USA. Representing a basal titanosauriform, Rugocaudia cooneyi gen. et sp. nov., the remains consist of 18 caudal vertebral and associated material. Possessing a combination of several unique caudal vertebrae features, Rugocaudia appears uniquely distinct from previously recognized North American sauropod genera. This Early Cretaceous taxon from Montana and subsequent discovery of titanosauriform material from Wyoming indicates a stronger Early Cretaceous sauropod presence across the continental USA than previously recognized. The presence of these northern latitude taxa helps to expand the spatial distribution of Early Cretaceous sauropods and is an additional piece of evidence to counter the claims of waning Early Cretaceous sauropod diversity in North America.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.