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Compared to Ceratosaurus and Carnotaurus, Elaphrosaurus and
Chuandongocoelurus share the following synapomorphies-
[...]
Based on other evidence, Ligabueino, Masiakasaurus, Noasaurus,
Velocisaurus and probably Elaphrosaurus form a monophyletic group, perhaps
best termed the Noasauridae. The lack of comparable material in many
taxa makes their interrelationships difficult to establish, but characters
shared by some include the hyperextendable second pedal digit of Ligabueino
and Noasaurus,
Ligabueino also has this? Where was it
described?
the tapered preacetabular process of Elaphrosaurus and Ligabueino, and
especially the reduced lateral metatarsals of Masiakasaurus, Noasaurus and
Velocisaurus (also seen to a lesser degree in the fourth of
Elaphrosaurus). [...]
In conclusion, Chuandongocoelurus is a neoceratosaur most closely
related to Elaphrosaurus, although how closely related other noasaurids are to
either of them is difficult to determine. Perhaps Chuandongocoelurus and
Elaphrosaurus should be classified as noasaurids, however I would like more
work done on abelisauroid relationships before such taxonomic decisions are
made. The presence of early neoceratosaurs in Asia in not entirely
unexpected, as Dandakosaurus and Lukousaurus may also be early
representatives.
IIRC Dandakosaurus is from India (far away from China then)? And
Lukousaurus... didn't someone think it was a crocodylomorph or
something?
What to do next?
Gasosaurus? Maybe it is such a ceratosaur
too?
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