Papers by Silvério Figueiredo
Ichnos, 2020
Abstract In his short joint ventures across the world of vertebrate tracks, Richard Bromley recog... more Abstract In his short joint ventures across the world of vertebrate tracks, Richard Bromley recognized the aeolian sands as unsuitable soft substrates for their preservation. Only after his work in the Balearic Islands, a more systematic study of coastal aeolianites worldwide revealed that these depositional systems could preserve a highly important record of behavioural trace fossils for the evolution of vertebrates, especially in the Pleistocene, including extinct megafauna and the escalation of the Homo. Here we describe coastal aeolianites from the upper Pleistocene of SW Iberia, namely SW Portugal and Gibraltar, with trackways, tracks and trampled surfaces of the last elephants in mainland Europe. Photogrammetric 3 D modelling and analysis of the relevant proboscidean track levels allowed revision of and support for previous ichnotaxonomic identification to Proboscipeda panfamilia and behavioural interpretations of the producer. Smaller and very large trackways and footprints attributed to Palaeoloxodon antiquus are described and discussed according to new and recent, but always rare findings. The seeming progressive and definitive extinction of this species towards southern Iberia, following the same pattern for the replacement of the Neanderthals during the last initial Pleniglacial (until ca. 28 ka), suggests evidence for co-evolution.
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 2021
We present a new tracksite with multiple dinosaur tracks from the lowermost Barremian (Lower Cret... more We present a new tracksite with multiple dinosaur tracks from the lowermost Barremian (Lower Cretaceous) of the Cape Espichel (Sesimbra, Portugal). The tracks are localized on three beds on the top carbonate beds of the Areia do Mastro Formation. Those bioclastic, nodular limestones were deposited in a very shallow subtidal-intertidal, restricted lagoon environment. The track surfaces are very dinoturbated, with a substantial number of tracks. Several tracks assign to sauropods, ornithopods and theropods dinosaurs were recorded. Due to heavy bioturbation and the preservation conditions, it is not possible to define trackways; some preliminary work done on the tracks could disclose some behaviours of their producers. Several species of carnivore and herbivore dinosaurs crossed that large area at different times. Herbivores may have used the lagoon margin as passage between feeding spots, while carnivores frequented the area to hunt in groups or individually.
Journal of Environmental Science and Engineering A, 2020
This palaeontological study focuses on the sedimentology and palaeofauna of Areia do Mastro local... more This palaeontological study focuses on the sedimentology and palaeofauna of Areia do Mastro locale in Cabo Espichel (Sesimbra, south of Lisbon). Two main geological formations are identified in Areia do Mastro: the Areia do Mastro Formation and the Papo-Seco Formation. We report herein the fossilized vertebrate and invertebrate remains from the basal deposits (marls, sands and gravels) of Papo-Seco Formation assigned to Lower Barremian (Lower Cretaceous). The sedimentological analysis and identified palaeofauna indicated a changing environment with important biological and ecological aspects. Extensive periods of sea level fluctuations and subsequent transgressive marine episodes had as a result the continental infralittoral internal platform to be gradually replaced by a lagoon, as revealed from the fossil remains embodied in the sediments during the formation of the afore mentioned sedimentary sequences.
We present a new dinosaur footprint from Praia do Guincho, Portugal. Praia do Guincho is a seasid... more We present a new dinosaur footprint from Praia do Guincho, Portugal. Praia do Guincho is a seaside locality, situated 2 km north of Cabo Espichel. A loose cast of a tridactyl dinosaur footprint was discovered during fieldwork in 2011. The cliff where the footprint was found is composed of limestones, marls, sandstones and conglomerates that were deposited in shallow marine, lagoon and estuarine environments. The succession belongs to the Papo-Seco Formation (Lower Cretaceous-Barremian). The remains of several groups of vertebrates, including dinosaurs, have been reported in this formation. This paper provides a trackmaker study consisting of a visual analysis under different light angles and photogrammetric 3D modelling. The specimen has a digit III longer than II and IV. However, a substantial part of the shape of digit III is sediment, giving a flawed impression that it belongs to the footprint itself. The photogrammetric modelling revealed that digit III is shorter and more rounded than it appeared to be in the first place and the morphology of the cast (large plantar surface, similar length and width rounded heel, with elongate, narrow digits) matches with the features of the pes of ornithopods and with the characteristics described as belonging to ornithopod dinosaurs. RIASSUNTO-[Nuova scoperta di una impronta di probabile Ornitopode del Cretaceo Inferiore di Cabo Espichel (Sesimbra, Portogallo)]-In questo articolo viene descritta una nuova impronta di dinosauro proveniente da Praia do Guincho, una località marina situata circa a 2 Km a nord di Cabo Espichel. Durante la campagna del 2011, è stato scoperto un calco naturale isolato di un'impronta tridattila di dinosauro. La falesia dove è stata trovata l'impronta è composta da calcari, marne, sabbie e conglomerati, depositatisi in ambiente marino poco profondo, estuarino e lagunare. La successione appartiene alla Formazione di Papo-Seco (Cretaceo Inferiore-Barremiano). In questa formazione sono stati segnalati i resti di vari gruppi di vertebrati, inclusi dinosauri. Questo articolo mira ad identificare l'autore della traccia attraverso lo studio visuale (secondo differenti angoli di illuminazione) e la modellazione fotogrammetrica 3D. Infatti, una parte sostanziale del dito III è composta da sedimento, dando la falsa impressione di appartenere all'impronta stessa. Il dito III sembra pertanto più lungo delle dita II e IV, ma la modellazione fotogrammetrica ha dimostrato come il dito III sia più corto ed arrotondato di quanto appaia. La morfologia dell'impronta (grande superficie plantare, tallone arrotondato con lunghezza e larghezza simili, con le dita allungate e strette) corrisponde alle caratteristiche delle zampe dei dinosauri ornitopodi. Sulla base di confronti morfometrici, riteniamo quindi che l'impronta sia stata prodotta da un ornitopode.
Pleistocene carbonate eolianites crop out along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, in both mainland a... more Pleistocene carbonate eolianites crop out along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, in both mainland and Madeira islands in Eastern Atlantic. More continuous outcrops are found at the SW coast of Portugal including the only recorded Cenozoic vertebrate ichnosites from Portugal so far. The vertebrate paleoichnology of these formations have yielded at least 16 stratigraphic horizons distributed by 6 tracksites, with mammal and bird footprints and trackways that were found printed in the sandstone bedsets. Photogrammetric analysis and 3D modeling of the most relevant tracksites allowed revising and supporting previous ichnotaxonomic identifications and behavioral interpretations. Small and large mammals' trackways and footprints attributed to Proboscipeda panfamilia, Bifidipes isp., Bestiopeda isp., Felipeda lynxi, and Leporidichnites malhaoi are described and discussed according to new and recent findings. Probably producers were, respectively, straight-tusked elephant, red deer, fox and wolf, Iberian lynx, and rabbit or hare. Tracks of birds found in two horizons at Pessegueiro island are now ascribed to two morphotypes of Charadriipeda isp.. These tracksites are dated from MIS6?-MIS3-2?, mostly Late Pleistocene. Among those footprints, elephant tracks are particularly important, since it is the first record of elephant footprints in the Pleistocene of mainland Europe and may represent some of the latest occurrences of Elephas antiquus before its final extinction. New data enable to detail further the importance of this vertebrate track record for the changing of the community dynamics, biogeographical isolation and extinctions in the transition for the Last Glacial.
The cave-site of Gruta da Furninha is a coastal karstic cavity. In the late 19th century, excavat... more The cave-site of Gruta da Furninha is a coastal karstic cavity. In the late 19th century, excavation of the sedimentary infill of the cave allowed the identification of two lithostratigraphic units: a Holocene one dominated by sands, containing human bones and a Neolithic industry; and a Late Pleistocene one, containing a diverse set of fossils set and Paleolithic artifacts. This study mainly focuses on taphonomic and palaeoenvironmental data concerning the Pleistocene bird bones that were collected from six layers (at 11 m and 6.7 m asl). A main result of this study was the discovery of a left humerus fragment, with osteological features of the Alcidae family; from comparison with upper arms of distinct species of this family, it was concluded that this fossil belongs to Penguin impennis. The Pleistocene birds of the Furninha cave were also compared with the avifauna that currently occurs in the region of Peniche peninsula and a climate and environmental interpretation of the Pleistocene fossiliferous set is provided.
New dinosaur and turtle’s remains are reported from the basal deposits of Papo-Seco Formation (Lo... more New dinosaur and turtle’s remains are reported from the basal deposits of Papo-Seco Formation (Lower Barremian, Lower Cretaceous). In this Formation, remains of several groups of vertebrates were reported. The remains were found in Areias do Mastro, nearby Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, south of Lisbon. During fieldwork, in 2015-16, were discovery some fragments of bones of dinosaurs and turtles. The studied layer was formed in an environment of shallow-marine features (lagoon, estuary). Recent paleontological inspection generated several vertebrate and invertebrate remains. In addition to the dinosaur’s bones and turtles bones and shell fragments, were found in that layer shells and trace fossils (casts) of gastropods and bivalves and bones and teeth of fish. The new data constitute a contribution to the knowledge of vertebrate paleo-diversity for the environment during the Lower Cretaceous of Portugal. This materials are now incorporated in the collection of the Museum of Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-História (CPGP).
New vertebrate and invertebrate remains are reported from the basal deposits (marls, sands and gr... more New vertebrate and invertebrate remains are reported from the basal deposits (marls, sands and gravels) of Papo-Seco Formation (Lower Barremian, Lower Cretaceous) of Areias do Mastro, nearby Cabo Espichel, Sesimbra, south of Lisbon. The studied layers were formed in an environment of shallow-marine features (lagoon, estuary). Recent paleontological inspection generated several vertebrate and invertebrate remains, including shells and trace fossils (casts and molds) of gastropods and bivalves; after examination, there were identified bones and teeth of fish, crocodiles, dinosaurs, pterosaurs and turtle shell fragments. The new data constitute an important contribution to the knowledge of vertebrate paleo-diversity for the environment during the Lower Cretaceous of Portugal.
Bulls and horses, the central theme of this Congress, belong to two orders of mammals: respective... more Bulls and horses, the central theme of this Congress, belong to two orders of mammals: respectively Artiodactyls and Perissodactyls. 4e presence of these two groups abundantly represented in Neogene sedimentary deposits of the Intermediate and Distal sectors of Lower Tagus basin it’s very well known since very soon, existing a vast collection collected under the work of the National Geological Service, and kept in the Geological Museum of LNEG. In this work, which aims to make known the abundance and diversity of mammalian fauna of the mentioned groups present in the Neogene deposits of the regions of Ribatejo and Lisbon, we refer the main deposits of mammals of the concerned regions, its geographical location, the main known representatives of these two groups, and their geological context and stratigraphic Framework in the region. We will also mention some of tafonomic aspects associated with the 2ndings, as well the context in which occurred the discoveries, in particular those of Lisbon, associated with the exploitation of geological features of the city.
In the area of Cabo Espichel, dinosaur tracks are identified in three outcrops: Praia do Cavaloha... more In the area of Cabo Espichel, dinosaur tracks are identified in three outcrops: Praia do Cavalohas theropodsfootprints, Pedrada Muahas trackways of sauropods and theropods(both from the late Jurassic) and Lagosteiros(Lower Cretaceous) with trackways of theropodsand ornithopods. In Praia do Guinchoa new dinosaur footprint was discovered.
Since Prehistory man has “crossed” with fossils. Our ancestors wanted
to know and understand the ... more Since Prehistory man has “crossed” with fossils. Our ancestors wanted
to know and understand the world and nature, but when they observed fossil remains generally they interpreted it on the basis of the reality surrounding them and on religious beliefs. 3e trace fossils (icnofossils) of large vertebrates, in particular the dinosaurs are at the origin of several legends, some of them associating the footprints of these animals to giant horses and relating them with religion, such as the legend of the footprints of Pedra da Mua, in Cabo Espichel.
Pleistocene carbonate eolianites crop out along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, in both mainland a... more Pleistocene carbonate eolianites crop out along the Portuguese Atlantic coast, in both mainland and Madeira islands in Eastern Atlantic. More continuous outcrops are found at the SW coast of Portugal including the only recorded Cenozoic vertebrate ichnosites from Portugal so far. The vertebrate paleoichnology of these formations have yielded at least 16 stratigraphic horizons distributed by 6 tracksites, with mammal and bird footprints and trackways that were found printed in the sandstone bedsets. Photogrammetric analysis and 3D modeling of the most relevant tracksites allowed revising and supporting previous ichnotaxonomic identifications and behavioral interpretations. Small and large mammals' trackways and footprints attributed to Proboscipeda panfamilia, Bifidipes isp., Bestiopeda isp., Felipeda lynxi, and Leporidichnites malhaoi are described and discussed according to new and recent findings. Probably producers were, respectively, straight-tusked elephant, red deer, fox and wolf, Iberian lynx, and rabbit or hare. Tracks of birds found in two horizons at Pessegueiro island are now ascribed to two morphotypes of Charadriipeda isp.. These tracksites are dated from MIS6?-MIS3-2?, mostly Late Pleistocene. Among those footprints, elephant tracks are particularly important, since it is the first record of elephant footprints in the Pleistocene of mainland Europe and may represent some of the latest occurrences of Elephas antiquus before its final extinction. New data enable to detail further the importance of this vertebrate track record for the changing of the community dynamics, biogeographical isolation and extinctions in the transition for the Last Glacial.
It presents a briefly conclusions of the International Congress The Birds in the Natural History,... more It presents a briefly conclusions of the International Congress The Birds in the Natural History, in Prehistory and History, organized by the Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré- História, at the Biblioteca Nacional (Lisboa), between 23 and 27 September, 2015. In this Congress participated researchers from nine countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Russia, Brazil and Argentina). The Congress, directed primarily to researchers and teachers, had as main objective the exchange of knowledge by researchers who have worked on the origin and evolution of birds and their use by man.
Arkeos Perspectivas Em Dialogo, 2013
ABSTRACT Apresenta-se a exposição "4600 Milhões de Anos de Evolução: Dinossauros e Memór... more ABSTRACT Apresenta-se a exposição "4600 Milhões de Anos de Evolução: Dinossauros e Memórias da Pré-História" realizada pelo Centro de Pré-História (CPH) do Instituto Politécnico de Tomar (IPT) e pelo Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-História (CPGP), no Centro de Interpretação de Arqueologia do Alto Ribatejo (CIAAR), no contexto das atividades expositivas desta última instituição, que se enquadram num contexto global nacional. A exposição foi realizada com base numa série de objetivos que aqui expomos. A ideia geral da evolução da vida na Terra aborda uma vasta temática dividida em paleontologia, evolução humana e numa secção monográfica sobre arqueologia do Alto Ribatejo.
A Gruta Nova da Columbeira (GNC), com cerca de 29 mil anos, e a Foz do Enxarrique (FENX), com cer... more A Gruta Nova da Columbeira (GNC), com cerca de 29 mil anos, e a Foz do Enxarrique (FENX), com cerca de 34 mil anos, são dois sítios arqueológicos do final do Paleolítico Médio. O primeiro é uma gruta e o segundo, uma estação de ar livre. Ambos apresentam fauna e indústria mustierense. Neste trabalho apresenta-se uma interpretação tafonómica destes dois sítios com base na existência, no primeiro caso, e na ausência, no segundo caso, de restos de aves.
A Gruta Nova da Columbeira situa-se no Vale Roto, Concelho do Bombarral, a sul do distrito de Lei... more A Gruta Nova da Columbeira situa-se no Vale Roto, Concelho do Bombarral, a sul do distrito de Leiria.
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Papers by Silvério Figueiredo
to know and understand the world and nature, but when they observed fossil remains generally they interpreted it on the basis of the reality surrounding them and on religious beliefs. 3e trace fossils (icnofossils) of large vertebrates, in particular the dinosaurs are at the origin of several legends, some of them associating the footprints of these animals to giant horses and relating them with religion, such as the legend of the footprints of Pedra da Mua, in Cabo Espichel.
to know and understand the world and nature, but when they observed fossil remains generally they interpreted it on the basis of the reality surrounding them and on religious beliefs. 3e trace fossils (icnofossils) of large vertebrates, in particular the dinosaurs are at the origin of several legends, some of them associating the footprints of these animals to giant horses and relating them with religion, such as the legend of the footprints of Pedra da Mua, in Cabo Espichel.
Por todas estas razões justificou-se a organização, pelo Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-História, de umas jornadas dedicadas à arqueologia do Vale do Tejo, que decorreram entre os dias 3 e 6 de Abril de 2008 e, mais tarde, um Congresso de Arqueologia da Bacia Hidrográfica do Tejo, entre 19 e 22 de Abril de 2011, no auditório do Museu da Cerâmica de Sacavém, em Loures, gentilmente cedido pela Câmara Municipal de Loures, em 2013 a organização das II Jornadas de Arqueologia do Vale do Tejo, organizadas no Museu Nacional de Arqueologia e, em 2016 foram organizadas as III Jornadas de Arqueologia do vale do Tejo os dias 13 e 15 de maio de 2016, no auditório da Casa de Artes e Cultura do Tejo de Vila Velha de Ródão. Nestas jornadas e congresso foram apresentadas várias comunicações de diversas áreas ligadas à arqueologia, como a pré-história, a arqueologia histórica e urbana, a arqueologia industrial, o património arqueológico, a antropologia física, a geo-arqueologia e a arqueozoologia, nas quais foram divulgados os atuais conhecimentos sobre a arqueologia do Vale do Tejo.
Em 2017 serão realizadas as IV jornadas que irão decorrer entre os dias 2 e 4 de junho, no auditório do edifício de São francisco, na Chamusca. Tal como nas edições anteriores, estas jornadas estão divididas em sessões gerais, de carácter cronológico, e em sessões temáticas, mais específicas.
As línguas oficiais das jornadas são o português e o castelhano sendo ainda aceites comunicações em inglês, francês e em italiano desde que apresentem um resumo numa das línguas oficiais.