scholarly journals Peer Review #1 of "A walk in the maze: variation in Late Jurassic tridactyl dinosaur tracks from the Swiss Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland) (v0.1)"

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Milàn
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Late Jurassic ◽  
Jura Mountains ◽  
Dinosaur Tracks ◽  
Swiss Jura ◽  
Nw Switzerland

scholarly journals A walk in the maze: variation in Late Jurassic tridactyl dinosaur tracks from the Swiss Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland)

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Castanera ◽  
Matteo Belvedere ◽  
Daniel Marty ◽  
Géraldine Paratte ◽  
Marielle Lapaire-Cattin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Jurassic ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Jura Mountains ◽  
Depth Maps ◽  
False Color ◽  
Dinosaur Tracks ◽  
Nw Switzerland ◽  
Color Depth

BackgroundMinute to medium-sized (footprint length (FL) less than 30 cm) tridactyl dinosaur tracks are the most abundant in the Late Jurassic tracksites of Highway A16 (Reuchenette Formation, Kimmeridgian) in the Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland). During excavations, two morphotypes, one gracile and one robust, were identified in the field. Furthermore, two large-sized theropod ichnospecies (Megalosauripus transjuranicusandJurabrontes curtedulensis) and an ornithopod-like morphotype (Morphotype II) have recently been described at these sites.MethodsThe quality of morphological preservation (preservation grade), the depth of the footprint, the shape variation, and the footprint proportions (FL/footprint width (FW) ratio and mesaxony) along the trackways have been analyzed using 3D models and false-color depth maps in order to determine the exact number of small to medium-sized morphotypes present in the tracksites.ResultsThe study of footprints (n= 93) recovered during the excavations has made it possible to identify and characterize the two morphotypes distinguished in the field. The gracile morphotype is mainly characterized by a high FL/FW ratio, high mesaxony, low divarication angles and clear, sharp claw marks, and phalangeal pads (2-3-4). By contrast, the robust morphotype is characterized by a lower FL/FW ratio, weaker mesaxony, slightly higher divarication angles and clear, sharp claw marks (when preserved), whereas the phalangeal pads are not clearly preserved although they might be present.DiscussionThe analysis does not allow the two morphotypes to be associated within the same morphological continuum. Thus, they cannot be extramorphological variations of similar tracks produced by a single trackmaker. Comparison of the two morphotypes with the larger morphotypes described in the formation (M. transjuranicus,J. curtedulensis, and Morphotype II) and the spatio-temporal relationships of the trackways suggest that the smaller morphotypes cannot reliably be considered as small individuals of any of the larger morphotypes. The morphometric data of some specimens of the robust morphotype (even lower values for the length/width ratio and mesaxony) suggest that more than one ichnotaxon might be represented within the robust morphotype. The features of the gracile morphotype (cf.Kalohipusisp.) are typical of “grallatorid” ichnotaxa with low mesaxony whereas those of the robust morphotype (cf.Therangospodusisp. andTherangospodus? isp.) are reminiscent ofTherangospodus pandemicus. This work sheds new light on combining an analysis of variations in footprint morphology through 3D models and false-color depth maps, with the study of possible ontogenetic variations and the identification of small-sized tridactyl ichnotaxa for the description of new dinosaur tracks.

scholarly journals Thalassemys bruntrutanan. sp., a new coastal marine turtle from the Late Jurassic of Porrentruy (Switzerland), and the paleobiogeography of the Thalassemydidae

PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e1282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Püntener ◽  
Jérémy Anquetin ◽  
Jean-Paul Billon-Bruyat
Keyword(s):  
Late Jurassic ◽  
Marine Turtle ◽  
Jura Mountains ◽  
Marine Turtles ◽  
The Past ◽  
Coastal Marine ◽  
New Material ◽  
Swiss Jura ◽  
Nw Switzerland ◽  
A New Species

Background.The Swiss Jura Mountains are a key region for Late Jurassic eucryptodiran turtles. Already in the mid 19th century, the Solothurn Turtle Limestone (Solothurn, NW Switzerland) yielded a great amount of Kimmeridgian turtles that are traditionally referred to Plesiochelyidae, Thalassemydidae, and Eurysternidae. In the past few years, fossils of these coastal marine turtles were also abundantly discovered in the Kimmeridgian of the Porrentruy region (NW Switzerland). These findings include numerous sub-complete shells, out of which we present two new specimens ofThalassemys(Thalassemydidae) in this study.Methods.We compare the new material from Porrentruy to the type speciesTh. hugii, which is based on a well preserved specimen from the Solothurn Turtle Limestone (Solothurn, Switzerland). In order to improve our understanding of the paleogeographic distribution ofThalassemys, anatomical comparisons are extended toThalassemysremains from other European countries, notably Germany and England.Results.While one of the twoThalassemysspecimens from Porrentruy can be attributed toTh. hugii, the other specimen represents a new species,Th. bruntrutanan. sp. It differs fromTh. hugiiby several features: more elongated nuchal that strongly thickens anterolaterally; wider vertebral scales; proportionally longer plastron; broader and less inclined xiphiplastron; wider angle between scapular process and acromion process. Our results show thatTh. hugiiandTh. bruntrutanaalso occur simultaneously in the Kimmeridgian of Solothurn as well as in the Kimmeridgian of England (Kimmeridge Clay). This study is an important step towards a better understanding of the paleobiogeographic distribution of Late Jurassic turtles in Europe.

scholarly journals A walk in the maze: Variation in Late Jurassic tridactyl dinosaur tracks - A case study from the Late Jurassic of the Swiss Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Castanera ◽  
Matteo Belvedere ◽  
Daniel Marty ◽  
Géraldine Paratte ◽  
Marielle Lapaire-Cattin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Jurassic ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Jura Mountains ◽  
Depth Maps ◽  
Dinosaur Tracks ◽  
Length Width ◽  
Nw Switzerland ◽  
False Colour

Background. Minute to medium-sized (FL less than 30 cm) tridactyl dinosaur tracks are the most abundant in the Late Jurassic tracksites of Highway A16 (Reuchenette Formation, Kimmeridgian) in the Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland). During excavations, two morphotypes, one gracile and one robust, were identified in the field. Furthermore, two large-sized theropod ichnospecies (Megalosauripus transjuranicus and Jurabrontes curtedulensis) and an ornithopod-like morphotype (Morphotype II) have recently been described at these sites. Methods. The quality of preservation (preservation grade), the depth of the footprint, the shape variation and the footprint proportions (FL/FW ratio and mesaxony) along the trackways have been analysed using 3D models and false-colour depth maps in order to determine the exact number of morphotypes present in the tracksites. Results. The study of the footprints (n = 93) collected during the excavations has made it possible to identify and characterize the two morphotypes distinguished in the field. The gracile morphotype is mainly characterized by a high footprint length/width ratio, high mesaxony, low divarication angles and clear, sharp claw marks and phalangeal pads (2-3-4). By contrast, the robust morphotype is characterized by a lower footprint length/width ratio, weaker mesaxony, slightly higher divarication angles and clear, sharp claw marks (when preserved), whereas the phalangeal pads are not clearly preserved although they might be present. Discussion. The analysis does not allow the two morphotypes to be associated within a morphological continuum. Thus, they cannot be a consequence of extramorphological variations on similar tracks produced by a similar/single trackmaker. Comparison of the two morphotypes with the larger morphotypes described in the formation (Megalosauripus transjuranicus, Jurabrontes curtedulensis and Morphotype II) and the spatio-temporal relationships of the trackways suggest that the smaller morphotypes cannot reliably be considered small individuals of the larger morphotypes. The morphometric data of some specimens of the robust morphotype (even lower values for the length/width ratio and mesaxony) suggest that more than one ichnotaxon might be represented within the robust morphotype. The features of the gracile morphotype (cf. Kalohipus) are typical of “grallatorid” ichnotaxa with low mesaxony whereas those of the robust morphotype (cf. Therangospodus and ?Therangospodus) are reminiscent of Therangospodus pandemicus. This work sheds new light on combining an analysis of variations in footprint morphology through 3D models and false-colour depth maps, with the study of possible ontogenetic variations and the identification of small-sized tridactyl ichnotaxa for the description of new dinosaur tracks.

scholarly journals A walk in the maze: Variation in Late Jurassic tridactyl dinosaur tracks - A case study from the Late Jurassic of the Swiss Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Castanera ◽  
Matteo Belvedere ◽  
Daniel Marty ◽  
Géraldine Paratte ◽  
Marielle Lapaire-Cattin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Late Jurassic ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Width Ratio ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Jura Mountains ◽  
Depth Maps ◽  
Dinosaur Tracks ◽  
Length Width ◽  
Nw Switzerland ◽  
False Colour

Background. Minute to medium-sized (FL less than 30 cm) tridactyl dinosaur tracks are the most abundant in the Late Jurassic tracksites of Highway A16 (Reuchenette Formation, Kimmeridgian) in the Jura Mountains (NW Switzerland). During excavations, two morphotypes, one gracile and one robust, were identified in the field. Furthermore, two large-sized theropod ichnospecies (Megalosauripus transjuranicus and Jurabrontes curtedulensis) and an ornithopod-like morphotype (Morphotype II) have recently been described at these sites. Methods. The quality of preservation (preservation grade), the depth of the footprint, the shape variation and the footprint proportions (FL/FW ratio and mesaxony) along the trackways have been analysed using 3D models and false-colour depth maps in order to determine the exact number of morphotypes present in the tracksites. Results. The study of the footprints (n = 93) collected during the excavations has made it possible to identify and characterize the two morphotypes distinguished in the field. The gracile morphotype is mainly characterized by a high footprint length/width ratio, high mesaxony, low divarication angles and clear, sharp claw marks and phalangeal pads (2-3-4). By contrast, the robust morphotype is characterized by a lower footprint length/width ratio, weaker mesaxony, slightly higher divarication angles and clear, sharp claw marks (when preserved), whereas the phalangeal pads are not clearly preserved although they might be present. Discussion. The analysis does not allow the two morphotypes to be associated within a morphological continuum. Thus, they cannot be a consequence of extramorphological variations on similar tracks produced by a similar/single trackmaker. Comparison of the two morphotypes with the larger morphotypes described in the formation (Megalosauripus transjuranicus, Jurabrontes curtedulensis and Morphotype II) and the spatio-temporal relationships of the trackways suggest that the smaller morphotypes cannot reliably be considered small individuals of the larger morphotypes. The morphometric data of some specimens of the robust morphotype (even lower values for the length/width ratio and mesaxony) suggest that more than one ichnotaxon might be represented within the robust morphotype. The features of the gracile morphotype (cf. Kalohipus) are typical of “grallatorid” ichnotaxa with low mesaxony whereas those of the robust morphotype (cf. Therangospodus and ?Therangospodus) are reminiscent of Therangospodus pandemicus. This work sheds new light on combining an analysis of variations in footprint morphology through 3D models and false-colour depth maps, with the study of possible ontogenetic variations and the identification of small-sized tridactyl ichnotaxa for the description of new dinosaur tracks.

scholarly journals New material of “Eurysternidae” (Thalassochelydia, Pan-Cryptodira) from the Kimmeridgian of the Swiss Jura Mountains

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Püntener ◽  
Jérémy Anquetin ◽  
Jean-Paul Billon-Bruyat
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Late Jurassic ◽  
Jura Mountains ◽  
Marine Turtles ◽  
Coastal Marine ◽  
Juvenile Individual ◽  
New Material ◽  
Swiss Jura ◽  
First Time

The region of Porrentruy (Swiss Jura Mountains) is known for its rich and diverse assemblage of Late Jurassic coastal marine turtles (Thalassochelydia). Dominated by the “Plesiochelyidae”, this assemblage also includes representatives of the two other thalassochelydian groups, the “Thalassemydidae” and “Eurysternidae.” In this study, we present new shell-based material from Porrentruy referable to eurysternids. One specimen represents a juvenile individual or a relatively small taxon, and is notably characterized by a well fenestrated plastron exhibiting a wider than long central plastral fontanelle. Two other specimens are much larger and possibly represent the largest eurysternids known to date. The fourth specimen is characterized by a unique plastral morphology otherwise only known in very small juveniles. This is the first time this unique plastral morphology is known to persist in an adult or subadult. The new material described herein represents at least three distinct taxa, all of them probably new. However, we refrain from naming new species based on this incomplete material in order to avoid adding confusion to an already complex taxonomical situation. This study provides new insights into the great diversity of eurysternids during the Late Jurassic.

scholarly journals Co-occurrence of the foraminifer <i>Mohlerina basiliensis</i> with <i>Bacinella–Lithocodium</i> oncoids: palaeoenvironmental and palaeoecological implications (Late Oxfordian, Swiss Jura)

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Védrine
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Lamellar Structure ◽  
Low Energy ◽  
Wall Structure ◽  
Jura Mountains ◽  
Time And Space ◽  
Ecological Evolution ◽  
Swiss Jura ◽  
Nw Switzerland

Abstract. The stratigraphical and spatial distribution of the foraminifer Mohlerina basiliensis and Bacinella–Lithocodium oncoids was studied in the lagoonal deposits of the oncoid-rich Hauptmumienbank Member from the Swiss Jura Mountains (Late Oxfordian, NW Switzerland). Mohlerina basiliensis has a double-layered wall structure (thick outer hyaline-radial calcite layer with a lamellar structure and thin inner microgranular calcite layer) and is preferentially found in low-energy facies and associated with normal-marine bioclasts and Bacinella–Lithocodium oncoids. The distribution of Mohlerina basiliensis is relatively patchy. The ‘distal’ platform facies present a higher abundance and a more extensive stratigraphic occurrence of this foraminifer. The timing of the ecological evolution is given by the sequence- and cyclostratigraphic framework and illustrates the stepwise flooding of the platform. Bacinella–Lithocodium oncoids have diameters of a few millimetres to several centimetres and are composed of an alternation of Bacinella–Lithocodium meshwork and thin micritic laminae. They are found preferentially in low-energy facies (bioclastic wackestones) of open lagoons. The distribution of Bacinella–Lithocodium oncoids through time and space is also patchy; however, they appear more abundantly in ‘distal’ platform facies. This study reveals the co-occurrence of Mohlerina basiliensis and Bacinella–Lithocodium oncoids and thus suggests similar environmental conditions.

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