The revised skeletal description and biological range of motion analysis of Australia’s most complete theropod dinosaur Australovenator wintonensis (Theropoda: Megaraptoridae)

The following PhD focuses on better understanding the skeleton of Australia’s most complete carnivorous theropod dinosaur <i>Australovenator wintonensis</i>. It belongs to a family group of dinosaurs known as Megaraptoridae. It is a relatively poorly known group of theropod dinosaurs with only partially preserved skeletons. This research dramatically improves the knowledge of the <i>Australovenator</i> skeleton and provides a unique perspective on its potential range of motion which is coupled with skeletal morphological knowledge in an effort to understand where this theropod is phylogenetically situated. Further preparation of the holotype specimen led to the discovery of near complete forearms, hindlimbs, dentary and teeth which are described herein. Descriptions of these elements were vital for better understanding this relatively poorly known group of dinosaurs (Megaraptorids) and provide more information on the phylogeny of <i>Australovenator</i>. The morphological comparisons with other theropods especially ones found in Australia indicated that there were similarities with <i>Rapator ornitholestoides</i> a theropod dinosaur that was described off a single metacarpal I. The discovery of right metacarpal I of <i>Australovenator</i> enabled a more accurate comparison with <i>Rapator</i> which established that the two genera are distinctly different. The complete hind limb revealed that the metatarsus was primitive in design similar to Allosauroids however it was distinctly more elongate than the much stockier Allosaurus pes. This feature alone was interpreted here as being a more derived morphological feature. A variety of innovative digital techniques have been employed to analyze the skeletal range of motion and assist in the biological restoration of various aspects of the <i>Australovenator</i> skeleton. The forearm range of motion analysis revealed <i>Australovenator</i> shared similar range of motion limitations with both highly derived tetanurans and very basal coelurosaurs. Pedal range of motion and biological restoration enabled the attempted replication of its corresponding footprints. These were used to compare with the largest bipedal prints preserved at Lark Quarry in central Queensland, Australia. The comparison determined that the largest Lark Quarry prints were made by a theropod and quite possibly if not <i>Australovenator</i> a theropod of equivalent size. The range of motion of skeletal elements has not been completed for any other Megaraptorid and therefore this research forms the basis for future comparisons within the group. The aim of this research is to provide in a better understanding of not only where <i>Australovenator</i> is situated phylogeneticaly but which theropod branch Megaraptoridae more closely belongs either tetanuran or coelurosaurian.