Researchers from the Dinópolis Foundation in eastern Spain have identified what they say is the first known evidence of the Diplodocus dinosaur in Europe.
The scientists recovered fossils from a single specimen in sediments dating back approximately 150 million years. The remains include 14 caudal vertebrae and several chevron bones.
Lead researcher Sergio Sanchez Fenollosa said an anatomical examination and evolutionary analysis identified the El Castellar specimen as belonging to the Diplodocus genus.
He described it as one of the most complete diplodocid specimens discovered in Europe and said it provides the first evidence of the genus outside North America.
Alberto Cobos, managing director of the Dinópolis Foundation and a co-author of the study, estimated that the dinosaur may have reached about 25 metres in length.
