Concavenator Facts
Pronunciation: con-CAV-eh-nay-tor
Name meaning: Cuenca hunter
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 2.5m |
| Length | 6m |
| Weight | 400 kg |
| Speed | 25 km/h |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Cretaceous |
| Period | Early Cretaceous |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | Spain |
Concavenator was a remarkable theropod dinosaur that stalked the ancient landscapes of Spain during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 million years ago. This medium-sized predator measured about 6 metres in length and stood roughly 2.5 metres tall at the hip, making it smaller than giants like Tyrannosaurus but still a formidable hunter in its ecosystem.
What made Concavenator truly extraordinary was the distinctive triangular hump on its back, formed by elongated neural spines on its vertebrae. This striking feature has earned it the nickname 'humpback dinosaur' and sets it apart from all other known theropods. The purpose of this unusual hump remains a subject of scientific debate, with theories ranging from muscle attachment sites to display structures for attracting mates or intimidating rivals.
As a carnivorous theropod, Concavenator was equipped with sharp teeth and powerful claws for hunting prey. Its long, muscular legs suggest it was capable of reaching impressive speeds when pursuing smaller dinosaurs, early mammals, or other creatures that shared its Spanish habitat. The discovery of Concavenator has provided valuable insights into theropod diversity during the Early Cretaceous period in Europe.
Perhaps most intriguingly, some scientists have suggested that bumps on Concavenator's arm bones might have supported primitive feathers or feather-like structures, though this remains contentious. The nearly complete skeleton found at Las Hoyas represents one of the most important theropod discoveries in Europe, offering a unique window into Early Cretaceous predator evolution.
What made Concavenator distinctive?
Concavenator's most distinctive feature was the prominent triangular hump on its back, formed by dramatically elongated neural spines. It also possessed relatively long arms with unusual bumps that some scientists interpret as possible feather attachment points.
Behaviour
Concavenator was likely an active pursuit predator, using its long, powerful legs to chase down prey across the Early Cretaceous Spanish landscape. The distinctive back hump may have been used for display purposes, possibly to attract mates or establish dominance over rivals and territory.
Discovery
Concavenator was first described by Francisco Ortega and colleagues in 2010. The original fossils were discovered at Las Hoyas fossil site, La Huérguina Formation, Spain.
Concavenator FAQ
What did Concavenator eat?
Concavenator was a carnivore that hunted other dinosaurs, early mammals, fish, and possibly smaller reptiles. Its sharp, serrated teeth were perfectly designed for slicing through meat, and its powerful claws would have helped it catch and kill prey.
How big was Concavenator?
Concavenator measured approximately 6 metres long and stood about 2.5 metres tall at the hip. It weighed an estimated 400 kilograms, making it a medium-sized theropod—larger than
Allosaurus but much smaller than giants like
Tyrannosaurus rex.
When did Concavenator live?
Concavenator lived during the
Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125.77 million years ago. This was a time when flowering plants were beginning to diversify and many new dinosaur species were evolving across the globe.
Where was Concavenator found?
Concavenator was discovered in Spain at the famous Las Hoyas fossil site in the La Huérguina Formation. This location has produced many important fossils and provides a detailed picture of
Early Cretaceous life in Europe.
How do you pronounce Concavenator?
Concavenator is pronounced 'con-CAV-eh-nay-tor'. The name comes from Latin words meaning 'Cuenca hunter', referring to the Spanish province where it was discovered.
What does Concavenator mean?
Concavenator means 'Cuenca hunter' in Latin. The name references both the Cuenca province in Spain where it was found and its role as a predatory dinosaur. The species name 'corcovatus' means 'hump-backed', referring to its distinctive back ridge.
How fast could Concavenator run?
Based on its long leg bones and body proportions, scientists estimate that Concavenator could reach speeds of around 25 km/h when chasing prey. Its powerful leg muscles would have made it a swift and agile hunter.
What type of dinosaur was Concavenator?
Concavenator was a theropod dinosaur, specifically belonging to the family Carcharodontosauridae. These were large, predatory dinosaurs known for their shark-like teeth and powerful builds, though Concavenator was smaller than most other family members.
Was Concavenator related to birds?
Yes, like all theropods, Concavenator was distantly related to modern birds. Some scientists even suggest it may have had primitive feather-like structures on its arms, though this remains controversial. Birds evolved from small theropod dinosaurs millions of years after Concavenator lived.
How many Concavenator fossils have been found?
Only one Concavenator specimen has been discovered so far, but it's remarkably complete. This single skeleton from Las Hoyas preserved most of the dinosaur's bones, making it one of the most complete theropod fossils ever found in Europe and allowing scientists to study it in great detail.
