Unenlagiinae [SEP] parent taxon
Unenlagiinae
Unenlagiinae is a subfamily of dromaeosaurid theropods. Unenlagiines are known from South America and Antarctica.
Description.
Most unenlagiines have been discovered in Argentina. The largest was "Austroraptor", which measured up to 5–6 m (16.4–19.7 ft) in length, making it also one of the largest dromaeosaurids. The subfamily is distinguished from other dromaeosaurids by a tail stiffened by lengthy chevrons and superior processes, sharp articulate claws, and a posteriorly oriented pubis. Their distinct anatomy from Laurasian dromaeosaurids was likely a consequence of
Makovicky and Norell in 2012, showing the relationships of "Austroraptor" among the other genera assigned to the taxon Unenlagiinae:
Paleoecology.
The specimen was found in terrestrial sediments that were deposited during the Maastrichtian stage of the Cretaceous period, approximately 70 million years ago.
"Austroraptor" shared its paleoenvironment with early mammals, pterosaurs and the titanosaurids "Saltasaurus" and "Rocasaurus", which may have served as prey for this dromaeosaur.
See also.
- Timeline of dromaeosaurid research
- Known pieces from