Palaeontological and palaeobiogeographical implications of the new Cenomanian vertebrate site of Algora, Guadalajara, Spain

Abstract

A new Cenomanian fossil site has been located in Algora, in the Castilian Branch of the Iberian Ranges, central Spain. The outcrop is in the upper part of the Utrillas Formation in sediments that can be interpreted as sandy coastal deposits (bars and channels) with subtidal and intertidal events. The vertebrate fauna associated with this site is composed of mixed remains of fishes, turtles, crocodyliforms and dinosaurs, with Laurasian and Gondwanan affinities. The discovery of this site provides new palaeobiogeographical information and enriches the poorly known vertebrate faunas of the European Cenomanian.