New species of ‘sail-backed’ dinosaur, found in Spain

Named Morelladon beltrani, it was a medium-sized styracosternan ornithopod of around 6 meters long and 2.5 meters high.

Scientists have discovered a new species of unusual ‘sail—backed’ dinosaur in Spain which inhabited the Iberian landmass about 125 million years ago.

Researchers from National University of Distance Education (UNED) in Spain described the species as Morelladon beltrani.

The specimen is a partial skeleton mainly composed of dorsal and sacral vertebrae and pelvic bones, researchers said.

Medium-sized styracosternan ornithopod

Morelladon is a medium-sized styracosternan ornithopod of around 6 meters long and 2.5 meters high, similar in body length and proportions to its relative Mantellisaurus atherfieldensis.

The most conspicuous feature of this new, relatively gracile ornithopod is the presence of tall neural spines on dorsal vertebrae, which the researchers suggest was possibly a ’sail’ used for -READ MORE-http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/new-species-of-sailbacked-dinosaur-found-in-spain/article8000283.ece