New information on the pectoral girdle and vertebral column in Lupeosaurus (Reptilia, Pelycosauria)

1989 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1343-1349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart S. Sumida
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Lower Permian ◽  
Pectoral Girdle ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Posterior Edge ◽  
Articular Facet ◽  
New Information

UCLA VP 1651, a new specimen from the Lower Permian Admiral Formation of Archer County, Texas, provides information on heretofore unknown portions of the postcranial skeleton of the large pelycosaur Lupeosaurus. Presacral neural spines are elongate and have a subcircular cross section. Laterally directed tubercles are not present on any of the neural spines. Cervical vertebrae appear to have elongate neural spines and sharply keeled centra. Transverse processes are positioned relatively high above the bases of the centra through the length of axial column. The pattern of tilting of the neural spines is similar to that in the primitive edaphosaur Ianthasaurus hardestii. The proximal end of the first sacral rib contributes significantly to the intervertebral articular facet usually formed by the centra. The sacral ribs do not appear to fuse with one another distally. The ventral clavicular plate is greatly expanded anteriorly. The posterior edge of the subcoracoscapular fossa is very well defined. The available morphological information does not warrant a separate familial designation for the genus Lupeosaurus. Despite the lack of laterally directed tubercles of the neural spines, Lupeosaurus appears to be referrable to the Edaphosauridae. However, in the absence of cranial materials, this association must remain tentative. Although this description adds new information for only a restricted portion of the skeleton, it does appear to confirm the existence of a distinct, albeit rare, pelycosaur from the extensively studied fauna of the Lower Permian.

scholarly journals The postcranial skeleton of Vagaceratops irvinensis (Dinosauria, Ceratopsidae)

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert B Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Dorsal Surface ◽  
Ventral Surface ◽  
Advanced Age ◽  
Time Of Death ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Hind Limbs ◽  
Left Front

The postcranial skeleton of Vagaceratops (= Chasmosaurus) irvinensis (CMN 41357), lacking only the tail, most of the left front and left hind limbs, and portions of the pelvis, is preserved in articulation. It is one of the most complete, best articulated ceratopsid skeletons known. Both the manus and vertebral column exhibit conspicuous pathologies, possibly an indication of advanced age at the time of death. The vertebral column comprises a syncervical, six additional cervical vertebrae, and 12 dorsals. A partial synsacrum is represented by two dorsosacrals, four sacrals, two caudosacrals, and a partial third caudosacral centrum. The ribcage, although crushed, is nearly complete. The sternum is unusually wide compared with other ceratopsids. As in other chasmosaurines, the humerus bears a prominent deltopectoral crest that forms the anterior edge of the broad, rectangular proximal humeral expansion. The medial tuberosity is separated from the dorsal surface of the humerus by a distinct notch. The insertion for the latissimus dorsi is conspicuous. The deltopectoral crest extends a full half of the distance to the distal end of the humerus. Epipodials of the forelimb are relatively short compared to the corresponding propodial. The ulna has a long, distinctly triangular olecranon, broadly rounded anterolateral process, prominent medial process, and a deeply concave trochlear notch. The terminal phalanges on the fourth and fifth manual digits are relatively large, and unlike other ceratopsids have distinct distal ?articular facets. The fourth trochanter of the femur is relatively proximal in position. This study and other recent studies of ceratopsid postcrania suggest that potentially useful taxonomic variation is present in the number of dorsosacrals, size of the groove on the ventral surface of the sacrum, morphology of the last dorsal and dorsosacral ribs, morphology of the scapula and proximal expansion of the humerus, morphology of the ulna, ratio of humerus/epipodium, morphology of the fifth manual digit, and position of the fourth trochanter of the femur.

Aspects of the postcranial skeleton of the Lower Permian lungfish, Gnathorhiza

1989 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 919-930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter W. Dalquest ◽  
M. John Kocurko ◽  
John V. Grimes
Keyword(s):  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
Lower Permian ◽  
Fish Scales ◽  
Early Permian ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Caudal Fin ◽  
North Central ◽  
New Information ◽  
Central Texas ◽  
Median Fins

A newly discovered locality of aestivation burrow casts containing the lungfish, Gnathorhiza serrata, is reported from the early Permian Arroyo Formation of Wilbarger County, north-central Texas. Remains preserved in the burrow casts provide sections of mummified Gnathorhiza and new information about the postcranial skeleton of this fish. Scales of Gnathorhiza resemble those of the modern lungfishes such as Lepidosiren in their microanatomy. No traces of paddle-like pectoral or pelvic fins were found and paired fins of Gnathorhiza may have resembled those of Lepidosiren. The axial skeleton and median fins of Gnathorhiza seem to resemble those of Lepidosiren except that the tail area and caudal fin of Gnathorhiza were stout and strong rather than slender and tapering. Gnathorhiza, which aestivated tail-down in its burrow, may have required a stout tail for support.

An associated partial skeleton of Symbos cavifrons (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) from Montezuma County, Colorado

1987 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 831-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry N. Mcdonald ◽  
Sarah W. Neusius ◽  
Vickie L. Clay
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
The Third ◽  
New Information ◽  
Four Corners ◽  
Loess Deposition ◽  
Complete Set ◽  
Definition Of

A partial cranium and axial skeleton of an individual Symbos cavifrons were excavated in 1983 from the Mesa Verde Loess on Grass Mesa, Montezuma County, Colorado. Parts of at least 24 bones were recovered, including the first complete set of cervical vertebrae known for Symbos cavifrons. This individual, radiocarbon dated at 15,970 ± 155 yr B.P. (SI-6137), contributes to the definition of the southwestern edge of the range of the species and provides new information about the nature of the vertebral column. Pathologic constriction of the transverse canals is evident in the third and seventh cervical vertebrae. The pattern of bone distribution suggests that carnivores consumed part of this animal. The radiocarbon date also establishes the last major episode of loess deposition in the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States.

Postcranium of the paradigm elasmosaurid plesiosaurianLibonectes morgani(Welles, 1949)

2014 ◽  
Vol 152 (4) ◽  
pp. 694-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
SVEN SACHS ◽  
BENJAMIN P. KEAR
Keyword(s):  
Upper Cretaceous ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Axial Skeleton ◽  
Body Plan ◽  
Pectoral Girdle ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Line Drawings ◽  
Phylogenetic Placement

AbstractElasmosauridae constitutes one of the most immediately recognizable plesiosaurian radiations. Their distinctive body plan represents the popular model for Plesiosauria, and is typified by an osteological morphology especially adapted for hyper-elongation of the neck. Nevertheless, many archetypal elasmosaurids are known only from incomplete and/or inadequately documented material, a problem that has contributed to their uncertain intra-clade relationships. A prime example of this isLibonectes morganifrom the Upper Cretaceous of Texas, USA, which is frequently presented as an elasmosaurid structural proxy because of its three-dimensionally preserved holotype skull. Perplexingly though, both the taxonomic diagnosis and phylogenetic placement ofL. morganirely primarily upon the cervical vertebrae, together with the pectoral girdle and forelimb, yet most of these elements are now lost and figured only as line drawings. We therefore reviewed the remnant postcranial skeleton ofL. morganifirst-hand with the objective of clarifying its defining character states. Our observations showed that the existing diagnosis ofL. morganiis indeed inadequate. Moreover, the only identifiable autapomorphies occurred within the axial skeleton. This concurred with an examination of character scores used in published plesiosaurian phylogenies, and highlights the persistent significance of postcranial elements for discriminating elasmosaurid taxa.

scholarly journals New information on the Wukongopteridae (Pterosauria) revealed by a new specimen from the Jurassic of China

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Cheng ◽  
Shunxing Jiang ◽  
Xiaolin Wang ◽  
Alexander W.A. Kellner
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Analysis ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Extensor Tendon ◽  
Ontogenetic Stage ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Middle Portion ◽  
Long Tail ◽  
New Information ◽  
Atlas And Axis ◽  
Basal Position

The Wukongopteridae is an important pterosaur group discovered from Yanliao Biota, because it combines character states seen in non-pterodactyloid and pterodactyloid pterosaurs. So far, the Wukongopteridae contains three genera:Wukongopterus,DarwinopterusandKunpengopterus; representing five species. Here we report on a new specimen, IVPP V 17959, that can be undoubtedly referred to the Wukongopteridae based on the presence of a confluent nasoantorbital fenestra, elongated cervical vertebrae (convergent with Pterodactyloidea) and a long tail enclosed by rod-like bony extensions of the zygapophyses. Traits distinguishing this new specimen from other wukongopterid pterosaurs include a premaxilla with a low ossified anterodorsal crest, a nasal bearing the most elongated process known in the Wukongopteridae, and a lacrimal that has a foramen in its middle portion. The new kind of premaxillary crest preserved in IVPP V 17959 suggests that the presence or absence of a premaxillary crest might be an interspecific feature within the Wukongopteridae. A phylogenetic analysis including all wukongopterid pterosaurs recovers IVPP V 17959 in a polytomy withWukongopterusand the species ofDarwinopterus, havingKunpengopterusin a more basal position. The postcranial skeleton of IVPP V 17959 has ontogenetically mature characteristics including a completely fused scapula and coracoid, fused proximal and distal carpal series, and an ossified extensor tendon process of the first wing phalanx, allowing its classification as ontogenetic stage five. Furthermore, the atlas and axis are separated in IVPP V 17959, which indicates that these two bones probably are not fused in skeletally mature wukongopterid individuals.

The postcranial skeleton of the Permian microsaur Pantylus

1968 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1175-1192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Lower Permian ◽  
Plant Food ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Separate Family ◽  
First Time

The description of the postcranial skeleton of Pantylus is based on four specimens from the Putnam Formation, Wichita Group, and material from the Clyde Formation, Clear Fork Group, Lower Permian of Texas. The presence of haemal arches, only 24 presacral vertebrae, and an astragalus and calcaneum are reptilian features, but the anatomy of the cervical vertebrae, the absence of trunk intercentra, and the nature of the scales as well as the anatomy of the skull indicate that this genus is a microsaur. The carpals, described for the first time in any microsaur, resemble those of rhachitomous amphibians in having a large proximal centrale. There are four manus digits and five in the pes. Pantylus was apparently a fully terrestrial form, with stout although short limbs. The presence of heavy ventral armor suggests that it dragged itself along the ground, or was a burrowing form. The extensive wear shown by the massive tooth plates indicates a diet of hard-shelled invertebrates or plant food. Pantylus is most clearly related to the Early Pennsylvanian microsaur Trachystegos. Although both genera may be related to the gymnarthrids Cardiocephalus and Euryodus, they are sufficiently distinct to be placed in a separate family.

New information on the postcranial skeleton of the Thalassodrominae (Pterosauria, Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae)

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1139-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Buchmann ◽  
Taissa Rodrigues ◽  
Sabrina Polegario ◽  
Alexander W. A. Kellner
Keyword(s):  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
New Information

CHILD SACRIFICE IN TULA: A BIOARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angélica María Medrano Enríquez
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Human Remains ◽  
Young Age ◽  
Human Sacrifice ◽  
Postcranial Skeleton ◽  
Compound A ◽  
Cut Marks ◽  
Early Postclassic

AbstractRecent salvage excavations conducted in the Early Postclassic city of Tula, Hidalgo, exposed a residential compound containing an open patio, beneath which was discovered a massive burial, designated Feature 5. Human remains involving a minimum of 49 individuals were discovered, many of whom were arranged in a sitting or squatting position. The majority of individuals, including all of the latter, were young children. The bioarchaeological analysis suggests that they were sacrificed. Many individuals exhibited anthropogenic modification, including cut marks on the skull and postcranial skeleton, indicating the children had been flayed. Some individuals were represented only by the skull and cervical vertebrae, suggesting decapitation. The individuals appeared to be in bad health, a common attribute of children sacrificed to Tlaloc by the Aztecs. According to ethnohistorical sources, children offered to Tlaloc commonly had their throats slit, although this practice was not identified among the individuals in Feature 5, possibly owing to their young age. Sacrifice also may have been made to Xipe Totec, as suggested by the evidence of flaying and the presence of a large hollow sculpture of the deity located in an adjacent residential compound, a deity who has been also linked to human sacrifice related to regeneration and fertility.

A new specimen of Chasmosaurus belli (Ornithischia: Ceratopsidae), a revision of the genus, and the utility of postcrania in the taxonomy and systematics of ceratopsid dinosaurs

Zootaxa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2963 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
SUSANNAH C. R. MAIDMENT ◽  
PAUL M. BARRETT
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Pectoral Girdle ◽  
Postcranial Morphology ◽  
Taxonomic Studies ◽  
Dinosaur Park Formation ◽  
First Time

A previously undescribed chasmosaurine specimen excavated in 1919-1920 by William Cutler from the Dinosaur Park Formation of Alberta, Canada is referable to Chasmosaurus belli. The specimen comprises an almost complete skull in which, uniquely among Chasmosaurus, the cranial elements are disarticulated, allowing detailed examination of their morphology for the first time. The complete braincase is present and allows comparison with the braincase of other ceratopsians. The specimen also preserves an uncrushed and undistorted postcranium, including cervical, dorsal and sacral vertebrae and limb elements. The vertebral column of Chasmosaurus has never previously been described in detail, and NHMUK R4948 affords the opportunity to examine it because of the unparalleled state of vertebral preservation. A proliferation of new chasmosaurine genera has recently been described; many of them differ from each other only in details of frill and epiparietal morphology. Several of these are based on specimens previously referred to Chasmosaurus. As a result, the characters that distinguish Chasmosaurus from other Campanian chasmosaurines are unclear. However, the genus Chasmosaurus and species within the genus are diagnosable and valid based on unique combinations of characters and frill morphology. Detailed examination of the postcranial morphology of a variety of centrosaurines and chasmosaurines has highlighted previously undescribed synapomorphies for the two major ceratopsid clades, concentrated in the pectoral girdle and forelimb. Inconsistencies in the vertebral formula of specimens referred to Chasmosaurus belli suggests that the postcrania of ceratopsids may vary between species and genera far more than previously thought, and that postcranial characters should be incorporated into phylogenetic and taxonomic studies.

Ichthyosaurs from the Upper Triassic (Carnian–Norian) of the New Siberian Islands, Russian Arctic, and their implications for the evolution of the ichthyosaurian basicranium and vertebral column

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Nikolay G. ZVERKOV ◽  
Dmitry V. GRIGORIEV ◽  
Andrzej S. WOLNIEWICZ ◽  
Alexey G. KONSTANTINOV ◽  
Evgeny S. SOBOLEV
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Upper Triassic ◽  
Late Triassic ◽  
Phylogenetic Position ◽  
New Taxon ◽  
Russian Arctic ◽  
Micro Computed Tomography ◽  
New Siberian Islands ◽  
Group Relationships

ABSTRACT The first ichthyosaurian specimens discovered from the Upper Triassic of the Russian Arctic (Kotelny Island, New Siberian Islands) are described herein. They include the remains of large- to small-bodied ichthyosaurians originating from six stratigraphic levels spanning the lower Carnian to middle Norian. The material is mostly represented by isolated vertebrae and ribs, which are not possible to accurately diagnose, but also includes specimens comprising associated vertebrae and a fragmentary skeleton that preserves cranial remains (parabasisphenoid, fragmentary quadrate, partial mandible and hyoids). Based on vertebral and rib morphology, we identify the specimens as representatives of the following taxonomic groups: large-bodied shastasaurids, medium-sized indeterminate ichthyosaurians with a single rib facet in the presacral centra, and small euichthyosaurians with double rib facets present throughout the presacral vertebrae that likely represent toretocnemids and/or basal parvipelvians. In addition, the cranial and mandibular remains preserved in one of the specimens, ZIN PH 5/250, were studied using micro-computed tomography. Its mandible is highly similar to that of toretocnemids, whereas the parabasisphenoid demonstrates a peculiar combination of both plesiomorphic and derived character states, providing the first detailed data on this cranial element in a Late Triassic ichthyosaurian. Furthermore, the specimen also demonstrates a distinctive condition of rib articulation in the anteriormost presacral (cervical) vertebrae, which together with other features allows for the erection of a new taxon – Auroroborealia incognita gen. et sp. nov. Although the phylogenetic position of this taxon is uncertain due to its fragmentary nature, its anatomy, indicating toretocnemid or parvipelvian affinities, further supports the previously hypothesised sister-group relationships between these two clades. The morphology of the parabasisphenoid and vertebral column of the new taxon is discussed in broader contexts of the patterns of evolution of these skeletal regions in ichthyosaurs.

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