Showing posts with label Metriorhynchidae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Metriorhynchidae. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

[Paleontology • 2024] Enalioetes schroederi • A New Genus of metriorhynchid crocodylomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Germany


Enalioetes schroederi 
Sachs, Young, Hornung, Cowgill, Schwab & Brusatte, 2024
 
 
Abstract
Here we describe a new genus and species of metriorhynchid crocodylomorph, Enalioetes schroederi gen. et sp. nov., from the lower Valanginian Stadthagen Formation (Lower Cretaceous) of north-western Germany. Enalioetes schroederi is the most complete and well-preserved Cretaceous metriorhynchid skull known to date, preserving most of the cranium and mandible, the atlas-axis complex and the first postaxial cervical vertebra. The specimen was previously attributed to the coeval enigmatic metriorhynchid Enaliosuchus (a nomen dubium) and, more recently, to Cricosaurus. Although the specific epithet schroederi has been used frequently in the literature, it has never been formally established. Herein, we demonstrate that the new taxon is distinct from all known metriorhynchids by a unique combination of characters including several autapomorphies such as: the lack of bulbous dorsolateral expansion in the posterior nasal cavity; mediolateral distance between the orbital canals being approximately 1.5 times the diameter of the orbital canals; lacrimal with dorsoventrally deep anterior process ventral to the preorbital fossa being equal to or greater than the depth of the jugal anterior process and the anterodorsal process of the lacrimal; and ascending processes at atlas intercentrum extending far dorsally to level of neural canal. Enalioetes schroederi contributes to the sparse global record of Cretaceous metriorhynchids and represents one of the stratigraphically youngest occurrences of the group. It can thus help to enhance our understanding of the metriorhynchid diversity during the Cretaceous Period. 

Keywords: Metriorhynchidae, Thalattosuchia, Cretaceous, taxonomy, Germany

 
  Enalioetes schroederi


Sven Sachs, Mark T. Young, Jahn J. Hornung, Thomas Cowgill, Julia A. Schwab and Stephen L. Brusatte. 2024. A New Genus of metriorhynchid crocodylomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Germany. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 22(1);  2359946. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2024.2359946  

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

[Paleontology • 2017] Ieldraan melkshamensis • A New Metriorhynchid Crocodylomorph from the Oxford Clay Formation (Middle Jurassic) of England, with Implications for the Origin and Diversification of Geosaurini


Ieldraan melkshamensis 
Foffa, Young, Brusatte, Graham & Steel, 2017

Abstract
Metriorhynchids are an extinct group of Jurassic–Cretaceous crocodylomorphs secondarily adapted to a marine lifestyle. A new metriorhynchid crocodylomorph from the Oxford Clay Formation (Callovian, Middle Jurassic) of England is described. The specimen is a large, fragmentary skull and associated single ramus of a lower jaw uniquely preserved in a septarian concretion. The description of the specimen reveals a series of autapomorphies (apicobasal flutings on the middle labial surface of the tooth crowns, greatly enlarged basoccipital tuberosities) and a unique combination of characters that warrant the creation of a new genus and speciesIeldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. This taxon shares numerous characters with the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous genus Geosaurus: tooth crowns that have three apicobasal facets on their labial surface, subtly ornamented skull and lower jaws elements, and reception pits along the lateral margin of the dentary (maxillary overbite). Phylogenetic analysis places this new species as the sister taxon to Geosaurus. The new taxon adds valuable information on the time of origin of the macrophagous subclade Geosaurini, which was initially thought to have evolved and radiated during the Late Jurassic. The presence of Ieldraan melkshamensis, the phylogenetic re-evaluation of Suchodus durobrivensis as a Plesiosuchus sister taxon and recently identified Callovian Dakosaurus-like specimens in the Oxford Clay Formation, indicate that all major Geosaurini lineages originated earlier than previously supposed. This has major implications for the evolution of macropredation in the group. Specifically, we can now demonstrate that the four different forms of true ziphodonty observed in derived geosaurins independently evolved from a single non-functional microziphodont common ancestor.

Keywords: Ieldraan, Melksham monster, Geosaurus, Geosaurini, Jurassic, macrophagy


 Skull and left mandibular ramus of Ieldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. (NHMUK PV OR 46797).

Systematic palaeontology 
Superorder Crocodylomorpha Hay, 1930 (sensu Walker 1970) 
Suborder Thalattosuchia Fraas, 1901 (sensu Young & Andrade 2009) 
Family Metriorhynchidae Fitzinger, 1843 (sensu Young & Andrade 2009) 
Subfamily Geosaurinae Lydekker, 1889 (sensu Young & Andrade 2009) 
Tribe Geosaurini Lydekker, 1889 (sensu Cau & Fanti 2011)

 Subtribe Geosaurina subtr. nov.

 Type genus. Geosaurus Cuvier, 1824 (sensu Young et al. 2012).

 Geological range. Middle Callovian to Valanginian (34 myr duration). 
Geographical range. European endemic (UK, Germany and France). 

 Genus Ieldraan gen. nov. 
Type species. Ieldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. 

 Derivation of the name: Older One’. Ieldra, Old English for older; and an, Old English for one, referring to the stratigraphically older age of this new genus compared to its close relative Geosaurus

Ieldraan melkshamensis sp. nov.  
1888 Metriorhynchus moreli Eudes-Deslongchamps; Lydekker: 97.

Derivation of name: ‘Older One from Melksham’, epithet translated from Latin, locative case.


Conclusions:
Based on our description of a long overlooked and misinterpreted specimen (NHMUK PV OR 46797), we establish the new taxon Ieldraan melkshamensis gen. et sp. nov. Despite the poor state of preservation, we demonstrate that this late Middle Jurassic taxon from the OCF shows remarkable similarities with the Late Jurassic genus Geosaurus. Ieldraan and Geosaurus are found to be sister taxa in a new European endemic, Callovian–Valanginian geosaurin lineage that we name Geosaurina subtr. nov. The morphology and stratigraphical occurrence of Ieldraan melkshamensis, combined with our phylogenetic analysis, demonstrate that numerous adaptations linked to macrophagy had already evolved in Geosaurini by the Callovian stage. This suggests that the diversification of the tribe was perhaps less abrupt than previously thought, but rather had a longer temporal and phylogenetic fuse. We also show that the evolution of ziphodonty followed a different path than previously hypothesized. The new information presented here indicates that four different true ziphodont morphologies in the derived Late Jurassic geosaurins independently evolved from a unique non-functional microziphodont common ancestor.


 Davide Foffa, Mark T. Young, Stephen L. Brusatte, Mark R. Graham and Lorna Steel. 2017. A New Metriorhynchid Crocodylomorph from the Oxford Clay Formation (Middle Jurassic) of England, with Implications for the Origin and Diversification of Geosaurini. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.  DOI: 10.1080/14772019.2017.1367730

  

Friday, April 5, 2013

[Palaeontology • 2013] The affinities of ‘Steneosaurus barettoni(Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia), from the Jurassic of Northern Italy, and implications for cranial evolution among geosaurine metriorhynchids


MPUP 6552 & Holotype of Neptunidraco ammoniticus

Abstract
In 1787, a fragmentary fossil skull of a crocodylian was discovered in the Altopiano dei Sette Comuni (Veneto, Northern Italy). In 1883, the specimen was referred to a new species of the teleosauroid Steneosaurus, S. barettoni. In this study, the specimen is redescribed and its taxonomic status reviewed. S. barettoni fails to conform to Article 12 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature and is considered as a nomen nudum. The specimen lacks synapomorphies of both Teleosauroidea and Steneosaurus, whereas it is referred to Metriorhynchidae based on the presence of an elongate median depression between the dorsal surface of nasals, and a large teardrop-shaped prefrontal that is expanded laterally. The combination of cranial and dental features present in this specimen supports its referral to Neptunidraco, an interpretation that adds new information on the morphology of the Italian metriorhynchid. Although total evidence analysis placed Neptunidraco as a basal divergence among Geosaurinae, it independently evolved some craniomandibular features previously considered exclusive of the macrophagous Geosaurini. This specimen is historically relevant because it may represent the first metriorhynchoid found worldwide.

Keywords: Crocodylomorpha, Italy, Jurassic, Neptunidraco , Thalattosuchia


Andrea Cau. 2013. The affinities of ‘Steneosaurus barettoni’ (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia), from the Jurassic of Northern Italy, and implications for cranial evolution among geosaurine metriorhynchids. Historical Biology.  DOI:10.1080/08912963.2013.784906

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

[Paleontology • 2013] Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos | ‘Blood-biting tyrant Swimmer’ • The Oldest Known Metriorhynchid Super-Predator: A New Genus and Species from the Middle Jurassic of England, with implications for serration and mandibular evolution in predacious clades


Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos
Young, De Andrade, Brusatte, Sakamoto & Liston 2013

Abstract
The Oxford Clay Formation of England has yielded numerous sympatric species of metriorhynchid crocodylomorphs, although disagreement has persisted regarding the number of valid species. For over 140 years teeth reminiscent of the genus Dakosaurus have been known from the Oxford Clay Formation but these have never been properly described and their taxonomy and systematic affinity remain contentious. Furthermore, an enigmatic mandible and associated postcranial skeleton discovered by Alfred Leeds in the Fletton brick pits near Peterborough also remains undescribed. We show that this specimen, and several isolated teeth, represents the oldest known remains of a large-bodied predatory metriorhynchid. This material is described herein and referred to Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos gen. et sp. nov. This species has a unique occlusal pattern: the dentition was arranged so that the posterior maxillodentary teeth interlock in the same plane and occlude mesiodistally. It is the first described crocodylomorph with microscopic denticles that are not contiguous along the carinae (forming short series of up to 10 denticles) and do not noticeably alter the height of the keel. Additionally, the dorsally expanded and curved posterior region of the mandible ventrally displaced the dentary tooth row relative to the jaw joint facilitating the enlargement of the dentition and increasing optimum gape. Therefore, Tyrannoneustes would have been a large-bodied marine predator that was well-suited to feed on larger prey than other contemporaneous metriorhynchids. A new phylogenetic analysis finds Tyrannoneustes to be the sister taxon to the subclade Geosaurini. An isolated tooth, humerus, and well-preserved mandible suggest a second species of metriorhynchid super-predator may also have lived in the Oxford Clay sea. Finally, we revise the diagnoses and descriptions of the other Oxford Clay metriorhynchid species, providing a guide for differentiating the many contemporaneous taxa from this exceptional fossil assemblage.

Keywords: denticle, Geosaurini, hypercarnivore, Metriorhynchidae, Tyrannoneustes

Tyrannoneustes gen. nov.
Type species. Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos sp. nov.

Etymology. Meaning ‘tyrant swimmer’: Tyrannos is Ancient Greek for an illegitimate ruler, while –neustes is Ancient Greek for swimmer.

Geological range. Middle Callovian to Early Oxfordian (possibly Late Oxfordian). Geographical range. European endemic (England). Isolated Callovian-Oxfordian teeth from France and Poland are referred to this genus (see below).

Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos sp. nov.
Etymology. ‘Blood-biting tyrant swimmer’. Lythros meaning blood, and dectikos meaning biting, both from Ancient Greek; named for its super-predatory nature.

Type locality and horizon. Fletton, Cambridgeshire, England. Peterborough Member, Oxford Clay Formation. Jasoni Sub-Boreal ammonite-zone, Middle Callovian, Middle Jurassic (Cox et al. 1992).


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Fossil remains in museum found to be 165 million year old marine super-predator 
—Researchers examining a fossil specimen discovered in a museum storage bin have found it to be the remains of a super-predator that lived during the Jurassic Period, around 165 million years ago. They describe the specimen, named Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos, as looking like a cross between a modern dolphin and a shark or crocodile.

Tyrannoneustes lythrodectikos, meaning "tyrant swimmer that bites" in Latin, was found in 1919 in a clay pit near the British town of Peterborough (the Oxford Clay Formation) by an amateur bone collector. Since that time it has resided, hidden away in Glasgow's Hunterian museum. The skeletal remains include a jawbone with serrated teeth that the researchers, from the University of Edinburgh describe as an indication that the creature was a super-predator one that preys on animals that are as big as it is, or even bigger. 

The research team, led by Mark Young, says the time period during which the tyrant swimmer lived would have had it swimming in the shallow seas that covered much of Europe and England along with other large marine predators. At the time, the area consisted of a chain of islands. They believe T. lythrodectikos would have been a very strong swimmer it had a fluked tail and forelimbs that resembled flippers and was able to open its mouth very wide to allow for biting into large prey. It would have been both a formidable hunter and an elusive target for other larger marine animals. But if caught, would not have been difficult to eat as it lacked the bony armor of other species of the time. 

The Middle Jurassic period, as has been glamorized by Hollywood, was a time during which many very large animals existed, many of them predatory. Their existence, scientists say, indicates a time when there was a very healthy food chain. 

The team adds that the species is the oldest known super-predator, and notes that little research had been done on the skeletal remains over the near century since it was brought to the museum. They also report that no stomach contents were found, thus they can't say for sure what the animal ate.


 Young, M. T.; De Andrade, M. B.; Brusatte, S. L.; Sakamoto, M.; Liston, J. 2013. The oldest known metriorhynchid super-predator: A new genus and species from the Middle Jurassic of England, with implications for serration and mandibular evolution in predacious clades. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology: 1. doi:10.1080/14772019.2012.704948

Thursday, July 14, 2011

[Palaeontology • 2011] Neptunidraco ammoniticus • the Oldest known Metriorhynchid Crocodylian from the Middle Jurassic of North-eastern Italy



Abstract
Metriorhynchidae is a clade of marine-adapted crocodilians known from several Middle Jurassic–Early Cretaceous specimens collected predominantly in South America and Europe, but poorly known in the northern margin of Gondwana. The “Portomaggiore crocodile” is the most complete specimen of an Italian metriorhynchid to date: it consists of a partial skeleton that has been provisionally referred to an unnamed species of Late Jurassic Metriorhynchus or Geosaurus. The specimen is preserved in the reddish, nodular limestone of the Rosso Ammonitico Veronese Formation (Bajocian–Tithonian); new data on microfossil associations constrain the age of the metriorhynchid to the late Bajocian–earliest Bathonian. On the basis of cranial synapomorphies, the “Portomaggiore crocodile” falls as the closest sister-taxon of the Late Jurassic– Early Cretaceous geosaurines, and is referred to Neptunidraco ammoniticus gen. et sp. nov. It is unique among Middle Jurassic metriorhynchids in showing an incipient streamlining of the skull, shared with Late Jurassic and Cretaceous taxa. Since Neptunidraco is the oldest known member of Metriorhynchidae, its phylogenetic position supports the hypothesis that the timing of the initial metriorhynchid and geosaurine diversifications should start in the Bajocian.

Keywords: Metriorhynchidae; Thalattosuchia; Rosso Ammonitico Veronese Formation; Italy; Middle Jurassic; Bajocian–Bathonian

Fig. 3A. Geographic location of the major outcrops of the Rosso Ammonitico Veronese Formation in north-eastern Italy;




Fig. 1. The “Portomaggiore crocodile”. A, MGGC 8846/1UCC123b (exposed side); B, MGGC 8846/1UCC123a (exposed side); C, MPPPL 35; D, MPPPL 39.





Andrea Cau and Federico Fanti 2011. The oldest known metriorhynchid crocodylian from the Middle Jurassic of North-eastern Italy: Neptunidraco ammoniticus gen. et sp. nov. Gondwana Research. 19 (2): 550–565. doi:10.1016/j.gr.2010.07.007

New Prehistoric Crocodile Found in "Kitchen Counters": http://on.natgeo.com/f7VVhV