Ekrixinatosaurus

Ekrixinatosaurus was an abelisaurid, a family of theropod dinosaurs with short, deep skulls and tiny arms. Its skull was about 83 centimetres long.1

The only known skeleton of Ekrixinatosaurus was found scattered over an area of 15 square metres. It included parts of the skull, backbone, hips, legs and feet.1

Ekrixinatosaurus lived alongside the giant meat-eater Giganotosaurus and the long-necked sauropods Andesaurus and Limaysaurus. Scientists think they may have competed for food.1

The bones of Ekrixinatosaurus were discovered because of a gas pipeline project. Workers used dynamite to blast through the rock, which is why the dinosaur was named 'explosion-born reptile'.1

Ekrixinatosaurus had a boxy skull with a bump above its eye and a jaw that curved upward. Its face bones were covered in small holes and spikes, which may have supported a tough, wrinkly skin.1

Some scientists once thought Ekrixinatosaurus was the largest abelisaurid, bigger than Carnotaurus. But later studies showed that Carnotaurus was actually larger, just with a smaller head.1