Noasauria

Noasauria, also referred to as Noasauridae, is a clade of small theropod dinosaurs within the larger group Abelisauriformes, part of the Ceratosauria lineage. They are known from Late Cretaceous rocks in Gondwana, with fossils discovered in South America and Madagascar. The type genus is Noasaurus, described from Argentina, and Masiakasaurus from Madagascar is among the better-preserved members. The exact composition and relationships of Noasauria are debated, and different studies place the group in slightly different positions within Abelisauriformes.

Members of Noasauria are generally small to medium-sized theropods and were likely agile, bipedal predators. They exhibit a variety of skull and tooth arrangements, with some genera showing distinctive dental features. Notably, Masiakasaurus has forward-pointing, procumbent teeth at the front of the jaws, indicating a specialized feeding strategy. In several identified taxa, the forelimbs are relatively short, a trait seen in other abelisauroids as well.

Paleobiology and ecology suggest that noasaurids occupied small-pame predators within their ecosystems, feeding on small vertebrates and possibly insects. Their lightweight skeletons imply a lifestyle built on speed and maneuverability rather than bulk.

Discovery and classification of Noasauria reflect broader efforts to understand Gondwanan theropod diversity during the Late Cretaceous. While Noasauria is recognized as a distinct clade by many researchers, its exact membership and phylogenetic position within Abelisauriformes continue to be refined as new fossils are described and analyzed.