Dr. Zoltán Csiki-Sava Associate Professor Laboratory of Paleontology, Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, University of Bucharest 1 N. Balcescu Blvd. 010041 Bucharest, Romania zoltan.csiki@g.unibuc.ro
The late Cretaceous was a pivotal period in terrestrial evolution, culminating in a major mass extinction. However, evidence on ecosystem dynamics in the final millions of years before the extinction is scarce, especially in Europe. Even well-known faunas like those of Transylvania (western Romania) face unresolved questions about taxonomic and ecological diversity. Recently discovered fossil vertebrates from the region offer new insights but await detailed study, including palaeoecological analysis.
This project aims to reevaluate taxonomic diversity and reconstruct aspects of the ecology of late Cretaceous vertebrates from Transylvania, focusing on new, exceptionally preserved specimens of dinosaurs, crocodyliforms, and turtles. Preliminary findings suggest greater diversity among ornithopods and turtles but overestimated crocodyliform diversity. Key methods include µCT-based osteological analyses and stable isotope studies (δ13C, δ18O) to explore habitat and dietary niche partitioning among taxa. These results will enhance our understanding of European ecosystems just before the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction.
