Image Gallery: Tiny-Armed Dinosaurs

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Jurassic Outcrop

Fossils of a newly identified stubby-armed dinosaur were discovered in the Jurassic Cañadón Asfalto Formation outcrops, shown here in the evening sunlight, in Patagonia, Argentina.

(Image credit: Oliver Rauhut.)

Fossils of a newly identified stubby-armed dinosaur were discovered in the Jurassic Cañadón Asfalto Formation outcrops, shown here in the evening sunlight, in Patagonia, Argentina.

Excavating a Dinosaur

Scientists excavate an abelisaurid dinosaur in Patagonia.

(Image credit: Oliver Rauhut.)

Researchers excavating the specimen of the abelelisaurid dinosaur named Eoabelisaurus mefi.

Bone Cleaning

Scientists clean their first find in the hills above the Chubut River in Patagonia.

(Image credit: Oliver Rauhut.)

Scientists clean their first find in the hills above the Chubut River in Patagonia.

Skeleton Supported

The skeleton of <em>Eoabelisaurus mefi</em>, already partially jacketed and supported by two wooden beams.

(Image credit: Oliver Rauhut.)

The skeleton of Eoabelisaurus mefi, already partially jacketed and supported by two wooden beams.

Stubby-Armed Dino

Another stubby-armed abelisaurid dinosaur skeleton.

(Image credit: Background photo by Joseph J. W. Sertich; 3D reconstruction by Sara H. Burch; composition by Lucille Betti-Nash)

Abelisaurids are known for their stubby arms, having an enlarged shoulder girdle that indicated muscle strength, as well as more flexibility of the upper arm. The bizarre forelimb and shoulder girdle of abelisaurid theropod dinosaurs are highlighted in the reconstructed skeleton of Shown here, a reconstructed skeleton of the abelisaurid Majungasaurus crenatissimus from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar, with the bizarre forelimb and shoulder girdle highlighted.

Fat Fingers

CT reconstruction of the forelimb and shoulder blades of Majungasaurus crenatissimus, showing the extremely shortened yet robust forearm bones, absent wrist bones, and four stubby fingers.

(Image credit: Sarah H. Burch)

CT reconstruction of the forelimb and shoulder blades of Majungasaurus crenatissimus, showing the extremely shortened yet robust forearm bones, absent wrist bones, and four stubby fingers.

Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
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