Abstract
BackgroundAustralia's dinosaurian fossil record is exceptionally poor compared to that of other similar-sized continents. Most taxa are known from fragmentary isolated remains with uncertain taxonomic and phylogenetic placement. A better understanding of the Australian dinosaurian record is crucial to understanding the global palaeobiogeography of dinosaurian groups, including groups previously considered to have had Gondwanan origins, such as the titanosaurs and carcharodontosaurids.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe describe three new dinosaurs from the late Early Cretaceous (latest Albian) Winton Formation of eastern Australia, including; Wintonotitan wattsi gen. et sp. nov., a basal titanosauriform; Diamantinasaurus matildae gen. et sp. nov., a derived lithostrotian titanosaur; and Australovenator wintonensis gen. et sp. nov., an allosauroid. We compare an isolated astragalus from the Early Cretaceous of southern Australia; formerly identified as Allosaurus sp., and conclude that it most-likely represents Australovenator sp.Conclusion/SignificanceThe occurrence of Australovenator from the Aptian to latest Albian confirms the presence in Australia of allosauroids basal to the Carcharodontosauridae. These new taxa, along with the fragmentary remains of other taxa, indicate a diverse Early Cretaceous sauropod and theropod fauna in Australia, including plesiomorphic forms (e.g. Wintonotitan and Australovenator) and more derived forms (e.g. Diamantinasaurus).
Highlights
Australia’s dinosaur fossil record is extremely poor relative to faunas recovered from similar-sized land-masses (e.g. North America, South America and Africa)
We report on two sites in particular that have yielded the remains of three individual dinosaur skeletons representing three distinct taxa; two new sauropods and a new theropod – the most complete theropod skeleton so far found in Australia
Sauropoda Austrosaurus mckillopi, from the Albian-aged Allaru Mudstone is the only Cretaceous sauropod taxon described from Australia [23]
Summary
Australia’s dinosaur fossil record is extremely poor relative to faunas recovered from similar-sized land-masses (e.g. North America, South America and Africa). The dinosaur remains described here were excavated from the basal portion of the Winton Formation and are close by (,3 km) the type locality for Lovellea wintonensis [8], a silicified angiosperm flora associated with pollens These pollens indicate a Phimopollenites pannosus palynomorph Zone sequence and have been suggested as latest Albian in age [8]. Two localities were initially discovered by the presence of bone fragments on the surface of the soil, and with excavation, revealed the presence of Winton Formation at a depth of less than 1 m below the ground surface Within this Winton Formation the preserved remains of three associated dinosaur skeletons were recovered. The depositional environment at QML 313 ‘‘Triangle Paddock Site’’ was a higher energy deposit and is considered to be a point-bar sequence Excavation at both type localities revealed the presence of disarticulated, semi-articulated and associated skeletal elements of the three dinosaurs. Macrofloral remains include mostly woody stems and branch impressions; auracarian cones, cone scales and pinnae are recognisable
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
