Cranial Anatomy of New Specimens of Saurornitholestes langstoni (Dinosauria, Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae) from the Dinosaur Park Formation (Campanian) of Alberta

Newly discovered specimens of Saurornitholestes langstoni, including an almost complete skeleton with a well-preserved skull, reveal distinctive cranial traits that clarify its systematic position within the Dromaeosauridae family. The study identifies specialized premaxillary teeth, previously misidentified as belonging to another genus (Zapsalis abradens), which show unique morphology and wear patterns suggesting a role in feather preening. Additionally, the research supports the existence of two major faunal interchanges between Asia and North America during the Cretaceous, distinguishing a Campanian North American clade (Saurornitholestinae) from an Asian clade that includes Velociraptor (Velociraptorinae). The findings advance understanding of dromaeosaurid evolution and biogeography in Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta.

Currie, P. J., & Evans, D. C. (2019). Cranial Anatomy of New Specimens of Saurornitholestes langstoni (Dinosauria, Theropoda, Dromaeosauridae) from the Dinosaur Park Formation (Campanian) of Alberta. The Anatomical Record, 303(4), 691–715. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.24241