Noasauridae

Noasauridae was a group of diverse theropod dinosaurs from the group Ceratosauria. They were closely related to the short-armed abelisaurids, although most noasaurids had a much more conservative body type generally similar to other theropods. Their heads, on the other hand, had unusual adaptations depending on the subfamily. 'Traditional' noasaurids, sometimes grouped in the subfamily Noasaurinae, had sharp teeth which splayed outwards from a downturned lower jaw. The most complete and well-known example of these kinds of noasaurids was Masiakasaurus knopfleri from Madagascar. Another group, Elaphrosaurinae, has also been placed within Noasauridae by some studies. Elaphrosaurines developed toothless jaws and herbivorous diets, at least as adults. The most complete and well known elaphrosaurine was Limusaurus inextricabilis. At least some noasaurids had pneumatised cervical vertebrae.Some are considered to have had cursorial habits. Noasauridae is defined as all theropods closer to Noasaurus than to Carnotaurus.