Abstract
We describe an isolated, almost complete pedal ungual phalanx from the Middle Jurassic marine carbonate rocks of the Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, north-western India. The ungual bone is triangular shaped, pointed, elongated, asymmetrical, dorsoventrally compressed, ventrally flat, bearing a shallow semi-circular excavation, and almost straight in lateral view. The morphological features, as well as its proportions closely resemble the pedal ungual phalanges of spinosaurid theropods, presently known dominantly from the Cretaceous. The affinity to spinosaurids is supported by bivariate and multivariate analyses. The ungual phalanx is tentatively identified as a basally branching Jurassic spinosaurid under Megalosauroidea. Considering the stratigraphical and geographical provenances, this contribution may represent the oldest record of a spinosaurid.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
