Anatomy and functional morphology of the largest marine reptile known, Mosasaurus hoffmanni (Mosasauridae, Reptilia) from the Upper Cretaceous, Upper Maastrichtian of The Netherlands

1995 ◽  
Vol 347 (1320) ◽  
pp. 155-180 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Functional Morphology ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Lower Jaw ◽  
Olfactory Organs ◽  
Marine Reptile ◽  
Four Bar Linkage ◽  
First Time ◽  
Upper Maastrichtian

Mosasaurus hoffmanni , one of the latest known mosasaurs, comes from the Upper Maastrichtian, Upper Cretaceous Chalk of The Netherlands. Although the first specimen was discovered over 200 years ago, it is here fully described for the first time to provide detailed insights into its anatomy, functional morphology and evolution. Many characters of the skull show that M. hoffmanni was among the most advanced mosasaurs. The skull is robustly constructed and is the least kinetic in the Mosasauridae and, with a tightly assembled palatal complex, provided greater cranial stability in this large-headed mosasaur. The cranial musculature is highly modified. The four-bar linkage system of lizards and early mosasaurs is non-functional in M. hoffmanni . The elements of the lower jaw are also more tightly united than in other mosasaurs. Tooth crowns are divided into several distinct, unique cutting surfaces or prisms. A functional analysis of the marginal teeth shows that they are particularly adapted to powerful bite forces although pterygoidal teeth are small and reduced in importance in ratchet feeding. Moderately large orbits and poorly developed olfactory organs suggest that Mosasaurus hoffmanni was a surface-swimming animal. A relatively lower level of binocular vision than in some other mosasaurs may indicate a somewhat uncomplicated habitat. Geological and palaeontological evidence indicates that M. hoffmanni lived in fairly deep nearshore waters of 40—50 m depth, with changing temperatures and rich vertebrate and invertebrate life. Several severely broken and healed mandibles suggest either a violent lifestyle in predation or in fighting.

scholarly journals Rib fracture in Prognathodon saturator (Mosasauridae, Late Cretaceous)

2004 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.S. Schulp ◽  
G.H.I.M. Walenkamp ◽  
P.A.M. Hofman ◽  
B.M. Rothschild ◽  
J.W.M. Jagt
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Internal Surface ◽  
Stress Fractures ◽  
Rib Fracture ◽  
Agonistic Behaviour ◽  
As Stress ◽  
Marine Reptile

AbstractTwo unusual bumps occur on the internal surface of a rib of the marine reptile Prognathodon saturator from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of Maastricht, The Netherlands. These bumps are interpreted as stress fractures, possibly related to agonistic behaviour.

Jagtia kunradensis, a new genus and species of clawed lobster (Decapoda: Nephropidae) from the Upper Cretaceous (Upper Maastrichtian) Maastricht Formation, The Netherlands

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale Tshudy ◽  
Ulf Sorhannus
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
New Genus ◽  
New Genus And Species ◽  
Type Area ◽  
Fossil Form ◽  
Upper Maastrichtian

A new genus and species of clawed lobster, Jagtia kunradensis, is described from the Upper Cretaceous (Upper Maastrichtian) Kunrade Limestone facies of the Maastricht Formation, The Netherlands. Three nephropid lobster genera and at least three species (Oncopareia bredai Bosquet, 1854, sensu Tshudy, 1993, Oncopareia sp. Tshudy, 1993, Hoploparia beyrichi Schlüter, 1862, and Jagtia kunradensis) have now been collected from limestones of the Maastrichtian type area (southeastern Netherlands and northeastern Belgium). Cladistic methods were employed in re-evaluating the phylogenetic relationships of the nephropid lobsters, including Jagtia. These analyses indicate that Jagtia is part of a clade that includes the recent Thymops and Thymopsis. The new genus is the first fossil form to be closely allied with these deep-water genera.

Postcranial morphology of Aristonectes (Plesiosauria, Elasmosauridae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Patagonia and Antarctica

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
José P. O'Gorman ◽  
Zulma Gasparini ◽  
Leonardo Salgado
Keyword(s):  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
South American ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Rio Negro ◽  
Juvenile Individual ◽  
New Material ◽  
Lower Maastrichtian ◽  
First Time ◽  
Upper Maastrichtian ◽  
Upper Campanian

AbstractA partial, postcranial skeleton of a juvenile individual referred to Aristonectes cf. parvidens from the upper Maastrichtian López de Bertodano Formation, Isla Marambio (Seymour Island), Antarctica, is described. Additionally, two juvenile specimens, also referred to A. cf. parvidens from the Allen Formation (upper Campanian–lower Maastrichtian) and Jagüel Formation (upper Maastrichtian) (Río Negro province, Argentina), are redescribed. The analysis of the systematic value of the cervical centrum proportions of juvenile specimens of Elasmosauridae suggests that these elements can be used to differentiate juvenile specimens of A. cf. parvidens from juveniles of other Elasmosauridae. On this basis, the specimens described are referred to A. cf. parvidens. Based on the proportion of the cervical centra, the first South American plesiosaur described by Gay in 1848 is here referred to A. cf. parvidens. The coracoid of Aristonectes is described for the first time showing a cordiform fenestra, a feature only recorded in the Elasmosauridae among the Plesiosauria, therefore, these new data support the inclusion of Aristonectes within the Elasmosauridae. With the new material described in this paper, Aristonectes is one of the most frecuently recorded genera of Late Cretaceous plesiosaurs in the Southern Hemisphere.

A new paguroid from the type Maastrichtian (upper Cretaceous, the Netherlands) and erection of a new family

2017 ◽  
Vol 188 (3) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
René H.B. Fraaije ◽  
Barry W.M. Van Bakel ◽  
John W.M. Jagt
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Morphological Features ◽  
Hermit Crabs ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Close Resemblance ◽  
New Family ◽  
Type Area ◽  
Upper Maastrichtian

On the basis of a fragmentary carapace a new extinct paguroid, Annuntidiogenes massetispinosus n. sp., is described from the upper Meerssen Member (Maastricht Formation, upper Maastrichtian) of the Maastrichtian type area in the southeast Netherlands. The new taxon represents the fifth and stratigraphically youngest member of this Mesozoic genus that shows a remarkably close resemblance to the extant diogenids Aeropaguristes Rahayu and McLaughlin, 2010 (Rahayu DL, McLaughlin PA. 2010. Areopaguristes, a generic replacement name for Stratiotes Thomson, 1899 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Paguroidea: Diogenidae). Zootaxa 2509: 67–68), Paguristes Dana, 1851 (Dana JD. 1851. Conspectus crustaceorum quae in orbis terrarum circumnavigatione, Carolo Wilkes e classe reipublicae foederatae duce, lexit et descripsit. (Preprint from) Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia 5: 267–272) and Pseudopaguristes McLaughlin, 2002 (McLaughlin PA. 2002. Pseudopaguristes, a new and aberrant genus of hermit crabs (Anomura: Paguridea: Diogenidae). Micronesica 34(2): 185–199). Morphological features of paguroid carapaces, not previously used by neontologists, form the basis for a further systematic refinement of the Paguroidea, with the erection of a new family, the Calcinidae n. fam.

scholarly journals LOFTUSIA CF. ANATOLICA HORIZON IN UPPER MAASTRICHTIAN LIMESTONES OF THE EASTERN GREECE PLATFORM (MOUNT PTOON, BOEOTIA, GREECE): PALAEOBIOGEOGRAPHICAL REMARKS

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 792 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Zambetakis - Lekkas ◽  
A. Kemeridou
Keyword(s):  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Outer Shelf ◽  
First Time ◽  
Upper Maastrichtian

Researches on upper Cretaceous limestones from the Eastern Greece platform in the area between Kokkinon and Akrefnion (Boeotia, Greece) revealed the presence of a horizon rich in Loftusia cf. anatolica (foraminifer). In this horizon, of late Maastrichtian age, L. cf. anatolica is associated with debris of Rudists, Orbitoides media, O. apiculata, O. gensacicus, Siderolites calcitrapoides, Omphalocyclus macroporus, Hellenocyclina beotica, Miliolidae, Dasycladaceae and echinoderms. It is found in an undisturbed sequence of limestones, where both the underlying and the overlying horizons are of the same facies and contain debris of Rudists, Hellenocyclina beotica, Orbitoides media, Siderolites calcitrapoides, Sulcoperculina sp., Rotaliidae, Mélobesiées,Nummofallotia sp., echinoderms. L. cf. anatolica is confined in the above mentioned horizon and it is found neither in the underlying nor in the overlying beds. This fades reflects an outer shelf environment in front of the rudist reefs. It is the first time that this species is reported in situ in Greece in an undisturbed stratigraphie sequence of upper Cretaceous limestones up to Paleocene flysch.

scholarly journals A large new mosasaur from the Upper Cretaceous of The Netherlands

2002 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudi W. Dortangs ◽  
Anne S. Schulp ◽  
Eric W.A. Mulder ◽  
John W.M. Jagt ◽  
Hans H.G. Peeters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Bite Marks ◽  
Marine Reptile ◽  
A New Species

AbstractWe report the discovery of a new species of marine reptile, a mosasaur, from the Upper Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) of The Netherlands. Prognathodon saturator sp. nov. is represented by an almost complete skull and much of the postcranial skeleton, and is one of the largest mosasaurs discovered to date. The stout skull and extremely massive jaws are more powerfully built than in any other known mosasaur. Bite marks, the partial disarticulation and scattering of the skeleton, and the presence of associated teeth of Squalicorax and Plicatoscyllium suggest extensive scavenging by sharks.

A new tube-builder hydractinian, symbiotic with hermit crabs, from the Cretaceous of Antarctica

1994 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 1169-1182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo B. Olivero ◽  
Maria B. Aguirre-Urreta
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Water Depth ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Fine Sand ◽  
Hermit Crabs ◽  
Spiral Tube ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Depositional Settings ◽  
First Time

An Upper Cretaceous (early Maastrichtian) tube-building hydractinian (Psammoactinia antarctica n. gen. and sp.) from Sanctuary Cliffs, Snow Hill Island, believed to live in association with hermit crabs, is described for the first time from Antarctica. Psammoactinia forms thick, concentric, globular colonies that encrust gastropod shells and extend the shell aperture by forming an open spiral tube. The colony consists of concentric layers with chambers and pillars made of silt and very fine sand grains agglutinated by collophane, which is interpreted as a diagenetic modification of an original chitinous phosphatic material. On the basis of the additional finding of isolated claws of pagurid crabs, assigned to Paguristes sp., the functional analysis of the hydractinian structure, and a comparison with modern and fossil analogous structures it is concluded that the peculiar hydractinian tube is a carcinoecium that housed a symbiotic hermit crab.Paleoenvironmental and paleoecological inferences suggest that the Psammoactinia–Paguristes association is mainly controlled by a fine-grained substrate and by a lack of abundant gastropod shells of different sizes. These factors do not necessarily correlate with absolute water depth, and favorable environments could include either offshore, relatively deep water or shallow restricted depositional settings.

First description of the male of Cretaconiopteryx grandis Liu & Lu, 2017 (Neuroptera: Coniopterygidae) from the Cretaceous Burmese amber

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4674 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
HONGYU LI ◽  
BO WANG ◽  
XINGYUE LIU
Keyword(s):  
Male Genitalia ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Sister Group ◽  
Sister Group Relationship ◽  
Burmese Amber ◽  
Representative Species ◽  
First Time

The male of Cretaconiopteryx grandis Liu & Lu, 2017, which is the only representative species of the extinct dustywing subfamily Cretaconiopteryginae, is described for the first time from the Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber. The male genitalia, well preserved in the examined specimen, show a number of plesiomorphic characters, which support the sister group relationship between Coniopterygidae and the rest of extant lacewing families. 

Neritoptyx hogansoninew species (Gastropoda, Mollusca) from the Upper Cretaceous Fox Hills Formation on the Dakota Isthmus, western United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-290
Author(s):  
J. Mark Erickson
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
United States ◽  
New Species ◽  
North America ◽  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Western United States ◽  
Western Interior Seaway ◽  
Decapod Crustaceans ◽  
Upper Maastrichtian

AbstractIn midcontinent North America, the Fox Hills Formation (Upper Cretaceous, upper Maastrichtian) preserves the last marine faunas in the central Western Interior Seaway (WIS).Neritoptyx hogansoninew species, a small littoral snail, exhibited allometric change from smooth to corded ornament and rounded to shouldered shape during growth. Specimens preserve a zig-zag pigment pattern that changes to an axial pattern during growth.Neritoptyx hogansoninew species was preyed on by decapod crustaceans, and spent shells were occupied by pagurid crabs. Dead mollusk shells, particularly those ofCrassostrea subtrigonalis(Evans and Shumard, 1857), provided a hard substrate to which they adhered on the Fox Hills tidal flats. This new neritimorph gastropod establishes a paleogeographic and chronostratigraphic proxy for intertidal conditions on the Dakota Isthmus during the late Maastrichtian. Presence of a neritid extends the marine tropical/temperate boundary in the WIS northward to ~44° late Maastrichtian paleolatitude. Late Maastrichtian closure of the isthmus subsequently altered marine heat transfer by interrupting northward flow of tropical currents from the Gulf Coast by as much as 1 to 1.5 million years before the Cretaceous ended.UUID:http://zoobank.org/3ba56c07-fcca-4925-a2f0-df663fc3a06b

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