Streptospondylus

Streptospondylus is an extinct genus of theropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period of France. Its fossils, primarily vertebrae and limb bones, were discovered in the early 19th century in the quarries of Dives-sur-Mer in Normandy. The initial fossils were described by paleontologist Christian Heinrich von Pfaff in 1835, but the genus was formally named Streptospondylus by Meyer in 1841. The name means "twisted vertebra" referring to the unusual shape of its dorsal vertebrae.

The type species, Streptospondylus major, is the most well-known. Due to the fragmentary nature of the remains, its exact classification has been debated over time. It was initially thought to be a megalosaurid, a group of large theropods. However, more recent analyses suggest it might represent a more basal theropod, or possibly even a primitive member of the megalosauroid family. The animal was likely a medium-sized predator, estimated to be around 5 meters in length. Its diet would have consisted of smaller animals, though specific prey is unknown.

Streptospondylus is significant as one of the earliest described dinosaurs from continental Europe. Its fossils provide valuable insights into the dinosaur fauna of the Late Jurassic in this region. However, the scarcity of complete skeletal material means that many aspects of its anatomy, behavior, and precise evolutionary relationships remain speculative. Further discoveries would be needed to fully understand this enigmatic dinosaur.