Kaootilian

Kaootilian is a genus of extinct theropod dinosaurs, characterized by its unique skull morphology and dental features. Discovered in the same fossil deposits as other theropod dinosaurs in what is now the southern hemisphere of Gondwana, the genus has been found in various countries including Brazil, Australia, and other parts of South America.

First described in the year 2014, Kaootilian fossils include a nearly complete skull, several postcranial remains, and a few isolated teeth. The genus name is derived from the tidal city of Kaotiri in New Zealand, and the suffix "-ilian" is used to indicate its classification as a dinosaur.

Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Kaootilian is closely related to carnosaurid theropods, which were characterized by their powerful builds and robust skulls. The dental structure of Kaootilian, specifically the presence of a distinctive V-shaped heterodont dentition, implies that it was an active predator. A number of studies have used the Kaootilian fossil remains to understand the evolutionary relationships and divergence times of various theropod groups.

Kaootilian lived during the Middle to Late Jurassic period, approximately 170 to 155 million years ago. The precise duration of its existence and the geographical range of its occurrence are subject to ongoing research and debate among paleontologists. While Kaootilian remains are fewer in number compared to other extinct theropod genera, its unique skeletal and dental traits make it a notable example of the diversity and complexity of theropod evolution.