Shovelsura

Shovelsura is a genus of small, extinct theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Jurassic period, approximately 155 to 150 million years ago. Fossils of Shovelsura have been discovered in the Morrison Formation of western North America, particularly in regions of Wyoming and Colorado. The name *Shovelsura* derives from the Latin words *shoveler*, referring to its distinctive shovel-shaped snout, and *ura*, meaning "tail" in Greek, though the tail structure is not uniquely shovel-like.

Shovelsura is classified within the Coelurosauria, a group of theropods that includes birds and their closest relatives. It is closely related to other small theropods such as *Compsognathus* and *Saurornithoides*, though it possesses some unique anatomical features. One of its most notable traits is its broad, flattened snout, which may have been adapted for a specialized diet, possibly involving soft prey like insects, small vertebrates, or even plant matter. The skull is also relatively short and deep compared to other theropods, with small, conical teeth suited for gripping rather than tearing.

Fossil remains of Shovelsura include partial skeletons, particularly of the skull and lower jaw, as well as some postcranial elements. Estimates of its size suggest it was a small dinosaur, likely reaching lengths of around 1 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 4.9 feet) and weighing less than 10 kilograms (22 pounds). Its lightweight build and agile proportions indicate it was likely a fast-moving predator or omnivore, capable of navigating dense vegetation.

Shovelsura provides valuable insights into the diversity of small theropods during the Late Jurassic, highlighting adaptations that may have allowed it to exploit ecological niches not occupied by larger predators. Its discovery contributes to the understanding of the evolutionary transitions leading to modern birds.