A new species of rhabdodontid dinosaur, Obelignathus septimanicus, has been identified by paleontologists, shedding light on the diversity of dinosaurs in Europe. This discovery, published on May 5, 2025, in Nature, reveals that this small to medium-sized herbivore roamed the European Archipelago around 72 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous.
- New dinosaur species: Obelignathus septimanicus
- Found in southern France, Late Cretaceous
- Challenges previous taxonomic assumptions
- Rhabdodontids are small to medium-sized herbivores
- Further research needed on diversity
- Fossil originally classified as Rhabodon septimanicus
The fossil remains of Obelignathus septimanicus, unearthed from the ‘Grès à Reptiles’ Formation in southern France, challenge previous taxonomic assumptions and enhance our understanding of rhabdodontid diversity. What does this mean for our knowledge of dinosaur evolution in Europe?
This finding raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary pathways of rhabdodontid dinosaurs. Are we fully aware of the extent of their diversity? Key points include:
- Obelignathus septimanicus is a morphological outlier among European rhabdodontomorphs.
- Eight to nine distinct species of rhabdodontids are currently recognized.
- Further research is essential to clarify the taxonomic significance of these dinosaurs.
- Several sympatric species likely co-existed in regions like southern France and Romania.
As new fossils are uncovered, the understanding of dinosaur diversity will continue to evolve, prompting a deeper exploration of their ecological roles in ancient ecosystems.
