Coeluroides
Coeluroides is an extinct genus of theropod dinosaur that inhabited India during the Late Cretaceous Period. Its existence is known solely through fossilized caudal vertebrae found in the Lameta Formation. While initially considered a dubious name due to limited remains, later analyses suggest it is likely a valid genus, potentially a synonym for Ornithomimoides.
Key Facts
- ›Coeluroides lived during the Late Cretaceous Period.
- ›Fossils were discovered in the Lameta Formation of India.
- ›It is known only from fossilized tail vertebrae.
- ›Estimated to be around 2 meters long and weigh 30 kilograms.
- ›It was a theropod dinosaur.
Estimated adult length of 2 meters., Estimated adult weight of 30 kilograms., Known only from caudal vertebrae.
Jubbulpuria, Ornithomimoides
India
About Coeluroides
Coeluroides is an extinct genus of theropod dinosaur that roamed the Earth during the Late Cretaceous Period. Its fossils have been discovered in what is now India, specifically within the Lameta Formation. The genus is known solely from a few caudal vertebrae, which are tail bones, forming the holotype specimen.
Taxonomy and Validity
The type species, Coeluroides largus, was formally described in 1933 by paleontologists Friedrich von Huene and Charles Alfred Matley. For many years, Coeluroides was considered a nomen dubium, or a dubious name, due to the very limited nature of its fossil remains. However, a comprehensive review of Indian theropods from the Lameta Formation in 2004 suggested that the genus is likely valid. Further research presented in an SVP 2012 abstract indicated that Coeluroides might be a senior synonym of another theropod genus, Ornithomimoides.
Physical Characteristics and Size
Based on the available fossil evidence, Coeluroides is estimated to have been approximately 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length when fully grown. Its weight is estimated to have been around 30 kilograms (66 pounds). This places it in a similar size range to, but slightly larger than, another Indian theropod, Jubbulpuria.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Coeluroides live?
Coeluroides lived during the Late Cretaceous Period, an era that concluded approximately 66 million years ago.
Where were the fossils of Coeluroides found?
The fossils of Coeluroides were discovered in what is now India, specifically within a layer of the Lameta Formation.
What does the name Coeluroides mean?
The name Coeluroides translates to 'hollow form', referring to a characteristic of its vertebral structure.
How large was Coeluroides?
When fully grown, Coeluroides is estimated to have been about 2 meters (6.6 feet) long and weighed around 30 kilograms (66 pounds).
What type of dinosaur was Coeluroides?
Coeluroides was a theropod dinosaur, a group that includes many well-known carnivorous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor.
Is Coeluroides a valid dinosaur genus?
For a long time, Coeluroides was considered a nomen dubium (dubious name) due to the scarcity of its fossil remains. However, a 2004 review of Indian theropods suggested it is likely a valid genus.
Related Dinosaur species
Compsosuchus
Compsosuchus is a dubious genus of theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of India. Its classification has been debated, with some studies suggesting it was an abelisaurid, while others have placed it as a noasaurid or an indeterminate abelisaurid. The genus is often considered a nomen dubium due to the limited fossil material.
Dandakosaurus
Dandakosaurus is a dubious genus of theropod dinosaur from the Kota Formation in India, living during the Early Jurassic period. Due to limited fossil evidence, some paleontologists consider it a nomen dubium. Remains suggest it was a carnivore, but its exact classification and features remain uncertain.
Bruhathkayosaurus
Bruhathkayosaurus is a genus of titanosaur sauropod dinosaur discovered in India, known from fragmentary remains. While initially described as a theropod, later analysis suggested it was a massive herbivore. Estimates suggest it may have been one of the largest land animals ever to have lived, potentially rivaling the blue whale in size.