On the first dinosaur tooth reported from Australia (Theropoda: Megaraptoridae)

Abstract

The first published report of a dinosaur tooth from Australia was made in 1910 by Arthur Smith Woodward, who wrote that a ‘megalosaurian’ tooth had been found at Lightning Ridge, New South Wales. However, despite the fact that this was the first dinosaur tooth found in Australia (and the only one prior to 1963), this specimen was not, and has never been, formally described. Herein, we describe this opalized theropod tooth, which almost certainly derives from the Griman Creek Formation (Upper Cretaceous; lower to mid-Cenomanian). Despite its relatively poor preservation, several morphological features are consistent with attribution to Megaraptoridae. Smith Woodward’s theropod tooth can now be recognized as one of the first megaraptorid fossils found worldwide. Furthermore, it reinforces the proposal that megaraptorids were an important component of mid-Cretaceous faunas in eastern Australia. Jake Kotevski [kotevskij2401@outlook.com.au], Biological Sciences, Evans EvoMorph Lab, Monash University, Room 226, 18 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia; Stephen F. Poropat [stephenfporopat@gmail.com], Chemistry and Biotechnology, Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, 3122, Australia; Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, 1 Dinosaur Drive, the Jump-Up, Winton, 4735, Australia