Episode 254 - Abelisaurs
Summary
Episode 254 explores the distinctive anatomy and evolutionary history of abelisaurs, a group of stocky, short-snouted theropods known for their tiny arms and unique skull ornamentation. The hosts also discuss recent paleontological findings, including Jurassic plesiosaur regurgitalites, evidence that Cretaceous dinosaurs supplemented their diets with coastal seaweed, and a massive genomic study revealing that bats likely originated in Europe. Finally, the episode covers a new microraptorine species that supports the hypothesis that flight evolved independently at least twice within theropod…
Topics discussed
Episode 254 Intro: Abelisaurs and listener requests
Patron updates, Discord, and speculative evolution teaser
Transition to news segment
North Sea regurgitalites: Plesiosaurs vs Crocodiles
Isotope evidence for Cretaceous dinosaurs eating seaweed
New bat genomics: Origins and flight vs echolocation
Microraptorines: Convergence and flight evolution
Abelisaurs overview: Fame and key species
Anatomy: Reduced arms and ceratosaurian lineage
Skull features, horns, and arm function debates
Hunting style, stocky build, and size range
Geographic distribution and ecological roles
Break and transition to diversity
Old World abelisaur diversity: Africa, India, Madagascar
South American abelisaur diversity and coexistence
Carnotaurus deep dive: Horns, combat, and display
Carnotaurus skin impressions and feather absence
European abelisaur mystery and phylogenetic confusion
Listener Q&A: Sauropods in desert environments
Outro, patron thanks, and Carnotaurus pop culture
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