Vertebrate Fossils Research Articles

Mammalian diversity and age of the Salicas Formation (Late Miocene–Early Pleistocene), Northwestern Argentina: State of knowledge and new contributions

Late Cenozoic sediments in the Sierras Pampeanas of La Rioja and Catamarca provinces, Northwestern Argentina, have yielded fossil mammal remains from the Salicas Fm. Herein, we provide a taxonomic review of previously published material and new fossils from El Degolladito area, plus the San Blas area, and north of the Sierra de Mazán region (Villa Mervil, Villa Mazán, Santa Teresita, and Salar de Pipanaco localities). Zircon dating of volcaniclastic levels of the Salicas Fm localities reveals that the fossil vertebrates span from ca. 8.7 to 2.4 Ma (Late Miocene–Early Pleistocene), which in El Degolladito area (ca. 8.7–7.9 Ma) is more abundant and taxonomically rich and includes Metatheria (cf. Thylatheridum sp., Lycopsis sp.), Rodentia (Cardiomys sp., Prodolichotis prisca, Caviidae sp. A., Lagostomus pretrichodactyla, Metacaremys primitiva, Pseudoplataeomys elongatus, Tetrastylus sp.), Meridiungulata (Neobrachytherium sp., Hemihegetotherium torresi, Paedotherium minor, Protypotherium minutum, Typotheriopsis sp.), and Xenarthra (Eosclerocalyptus proximus, Stromaphorus compressidens, Nopachthus coagmentatus, Chasicotatus peiranoi, Paleuphractus argentinus, Proeuphractus limpidus, Prozaedyus sp., Vetelia gandhii, Pampatheriidae indet, Pilosa indet.). Lagostomus cf. L. pretrichodactyla, H. torresi, and Vetelia sp. have also been recovered in the outcrops near San Blas (without dating), whereas to the north of the Sierra de Mazán (ca. 5.7–2.4 Ma) only remains Dasypodidae, Glyptodontoinei, and N. coagmentatus have been found. Based on our analysis, it seems that the sampling conducted in El Degolladito area may have not yet fully uncovered the complete range of mammal diversity. The association from El Degolladito share affinity with those of the Late Neogene of Argentina previously referred to “Chasicoan” and “Huayquerian”, like Palo Pintado Fm, “Chasicoan” faunas of Cerro Azul Fm (e.g., Cerro La Bota locality), Loma de Las Tapias assemblages A and B, which is congruent with the absolute dating obtained.

Excavating the ‘Rutland Sea Dragon’: The largest ichthyosaur skeleton ever found in the UK (Whitby Mudstone Formation, Toarcian, Lower Jurassic)

An almost complete ichthyosaur skeleton 10 m long was discovered in January 2021 at the Rutland Water Nature Reserve in the county of Rutland, UK. This was excavated by a small team of palaeontologists in the summer of the same year. Nicknamed ‘The Rutland Sea Dragon’, this almost fully articulated skeleton is an example of the large-bodied Early Jurassic ichthyosaur Temnodontosaurus. The specimen was analysed in situ, recorded (including a 3D scan using photogrammetry), excavated and removed from the site in a series of large plaster field jackets to preserve taphonomic information. Significantly, the specimen is the largest ichthyosaur skeleton to have been found in the UK and it may be the first recorded example of Temnodontosaurus trigonodon to be found in the country, extending its known geographic range significantly. It also represents the most complete skeleton of a large prehistoric reptile to have been found in the UK. We provide an account of the discovery and describe the methods used for excavating, recording and lifting the large skeleton which will aid palaeontologists facing similar challenges when collecting extensive remains of large and fragile fossil vertebrates. We also discuss the preliminary research findings and the global impact this discovery has had through public engagement.

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of Late Cretaceous rivers, Dinosaur Park Formation, Alberta, Canada

Dinosaur Provincial Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with one of the richest vertebrate fossil accumulations globally. The “badlands”-style topography exposes Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) meander-belt deposits of the Dinosaur Park Formation, providing an excellent opportunity for sedimentological and three-dimensional stratigraphic analysis. One of the main unknowns regarding the depositional environments of the Dinosaur Park Formation, specifically the proximity to the fluvial-to-marine transition zone, has been the subject of extensive debate. Our study aims to refine paleoenvironmental reconstructions of Late Cretaceous rivers through facies and facies associations analysis, meander-belt architecture characterization, and paleohydraulic parameter calculations.We investigate a ~7 m thick single-story meander-belt interval of the Dinosaur Park Formation. Six facies, four facies associations, and two architectural elements (both point bars) were identified from 20 stratigraphic sections. In addition, paleohydraulic reconstruction of the formative river channel was completed by estimating bankfull channel depth and width, paleoslope, and backwater length.Contrasting with previous interpretations of deposition (partially or wholly) influenced by tides, these data allow us to demonstrate that the meander-belt deposits of the Dinosaur Park Formation were deposited in a fluvial environment upstream of the fluvial–marine transition zone. Inclined heterolithic strata (IHS) present in the area are of fluvial origin, adding to the growing body of evidence for heterolithic bedding in fluvial point-bar environments. The newly inferred depositional setting for the studied portion of the Dinosaur Park Formation changes our understanding of the paleogeography of the Western Interior Seaway in western Canada and will allow paleontologists to revise the reconstructions of dinosaur habitats and better constrain the taphonomy of these globally significant fossil accumulations. Additionally, this study contributes to the validation and development of a systematic approach to the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of ancient river systems based on paleohydraulic analysis.

A probable koala from the Oligocene of central Australia provides insights into early diprotodontian evolution

Diprotodontians are the morphologically and ecologically most diverse order of marsupials. However, an approximately 30-million-year gap in the Australian terrestrial vertebrate fossil record means that the first half of diprotodontian evolution is unknown. Fossil taxa from immediately either side of this gap are therefore critical for reconstructing the early evolution of the order. Here we report the likely oldest-known koala relatives (Phascolarctidae), from the late Oligocene Pwerte Marnte Marnte Local Fauna (central Australia). These include coeval species of Madakoala and Nimiokoala, as well as a new probable koala (?Phascolarctidae). The new taxon, Lumakoala blackae gen. et sp. nov., was comparable in size to the smallest-known phascolarctids, with body-mass estimates of 2.2–2.6 kg. Its bunoselenodont upper molars retain the primitive metatherian condition of a continuous centrocrista, and distinct stylar cusps B and D which lacked occlusion with the hypoconid. This structural arrangement: (1) suggests a morphocline within Phascolarctidae from bunoselenodonty to selenodonty; and (2) better clarifies the evolutionary transitions between molar morphologies within Vombatomorphia. We hypothesize that the molar form of Lumakoala blackae approximates the ancestral condition of the suborder Vombatiformes. Furthermore, it provides a plausible link between diprotodontians and the putative polydolopimorphians Chulpasia jimthorselli and Thylacotinga bartholomaii from the early Eocene Tingamarra Local Fauna (eastern Australia), which we infer as having molar morphologies consistent with stem diprotodontians.

Floral and faunal biostratigraphy of the Middle–Upper Triassic Karamay and Huangshanjie formations from the southern Junggar Basin, China

Abstract In the Junggar Basin, northwestern China, the biostratigraphy and vegetation patterns of the Middle–Late Triassic sediments are comparatively poorly resolved. Here we investigate Middle–Late Triassic successions of the Dalongkou Section in the southern Junggar Basin for palynostratigraphy and vegetation patterns. Three palynological abundance zones are proposed here: the Aratrisporites Abundance Zone (Middle Triassic), the Dictyophyllidites – Aratrisporites Abundance Zone (latest Middle to early Late Triassic) and the Lycopodiacidites – Stereisporites informal abundance zone (Late Triassic). A review of previous records of the Fukangichthys Fauna indicates that this vertebrate fossil assemblage is stratigraphically located within the uppermost part of the Karamay Formation and is Middle Triassic in age. The revised dating of this and other faunas are further used to constrain the palynological zones in the Junggar Basin. Although the palynoflora is consistently dominated by non-striate bisaccate pollen (produced by seed ferns and/or conifers) in the studied section, spores record a distinctive abundance increase during the late Middle Triassic. Spore taxon abundance changes indicate a vegetational shift from a Middle Triassic–early Late Triassic community characterized by abundant lycophytes (likely Annalepis and Pleuromeia ) to a Late Triassic ecosystem with abundant dipteridaceous ferns (e.g. Dictyophyllum ) in the Junggar Basin and across North China. This study updates the Triassic biostratigraphy in the Junggar Basin, and sheds light on temporal floral changes in this basin and elsewhere in North China during the Middle to Late Triassic.

Unusual findings of cephalopod jaws in Mesozoic shallow water sandy facies

Jaws of fossil cephalopods, originally composed mainly of organic matter, are rare findings. They are sometimes can be found in nodules, in body chambers of their hosts (ammonoids and nautiloids), and in the fine-grained deposits, including Konservat-Lagerstätten. Findings of fossil coleoid jaws, which were completely organic and devoid of mineralized elements, are especially rare. Here, for the first time, numerous specimens of three-dimensional phosphatized cephalopod jaws, preserved in the extremely shallow-water coastal sandy facies of the Upper Jurassic (Volgian), Lower (Albian) and Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian, Turonian, and Campanian), all of which have so far been widely considered only as a source of vertebrate fossils, are described. Both upper and lower cephalopod jaws were found, whereas lower jaw elements are more common. Most of the jaws were referred to as belonging to coleoids, judging by their shape and the ratio of the sizes of their outer and inner lamellae. The overall shape and rounded front tips of the lower jaws, as well as the relatively straight, not curved shape of the upper jaws suggest that they belonged to octobrachian coleoids. One of the jaws most likely belongs to a nautilid specimen. Some coleoid jaws from the Upper Cretaceous are relatively large, suggesting the large body size of their owners. It should be noted that elements of the jaw apparatus are the only remnants of cephalopods at most localities with coastal sandy facies. The study of these jaws sheds light on the diversity of cephalopods in coastal ecosystems of the Cretaceous time.

Geochemical investigation of the mixed Máriahalom vertebrate fauna at the Paleogene–Neogene boundary in the Central Paratethys: environmental conditions and age constrain

The fossil vertebrate fauna of Máriahalom contains remains from a wide range of ecologies including terrestrial and aquatic mammals, crocodiles, sharks, and rays among others. All these were found mixed in mollusc-rich, shallow water, coastal deposits. The aim of the study is to trace the origin of the fossils using their rare earth element (REE) content and their respective ecology with stable oxygen isotopic compositions. In addition, marine vertebrates and calcareous marine fossils were analysed for their Sr isotope composition to provide a new age estimate for the locality. The REE content and their distribution in the fossils indicate similar early diagenetic environments and possible contemporaneous fossilization for the entire vertebrate assemblage. Reworked fossils of significantly different age can be excluded. The enamel/enameloid-derived phosphate oxygen isotope composition of selected fossil taxa fit well with previously inferred habitats that include marine, brackish, and terrestrial environments. Notably, the stem-pinniped Potamotherium valletoni is best interpreted as freshwater dweller instead of marine, consistent with the sedimentology of other occurrences. Our novel 87Sr/86Sr data suggest an Aquitanian age (21.4 ± 0.5 Ma) for the Máriahalom site that is younger than the previously proposed Late Oligocene age based on biostratigraphy (MP28–30 European Mammal Paleogene Reference Levels). An Aquitanian age raises the possibility that the index fossil taxon, the anthracothere mammal Microbunodon minimum, may have vanished earlier in Western Europe than in the Central Paratethys region.

Geological journey through the Himalaya - Early research and discoveries

A number of contributions to the understanding of geology of Himalaya prior to the 20th C. are described. These include observations made by the Chinese about marine fossils found in high mountains; records from 1720s of the Jesuit Priest, Ippolito Desideri, along the course of the Yarlung-Tsangpo-Brahmaputra River; the work of Cautley and Falconer on vertebrate fossils from Miocene of the Siwaliks; and the first geological traverse of the mountain chain. This latter was undertaken by Lieutenant Richard Strachey in 1848 and his detailed cross sections were published in 1851. It is this transect that represents the ‘journey’ described in this paper where Strachey’s observations on the geology of the Himalaya are given. The work of some other notable geologists in the second half of the 19th C is recorded. This leads to a discussion of isostasy and theories about the structure of this and other mountain chains, including the geosynclinal theory that prevailed up until the end of the 19th C.

Sauropod dinosaur remains from the Papo-Seco formation (lower Barremian, Lusitanian Basin, Cabo Espichel, Portugal): Previous and new discoveries

Previous and new fossils of sauropods are reported from the Papo-Seco Formation (lower Barremian, Lower Cretaceous) at Cabo Espichel, south of Lisbon, Portugal. The fossils were collected from the Boca do Chapim and Praia do Areia do Mastro sites. The sauropods and other vertebrate fossil remains from the Papo-Seco Formation occur in marls, sandstones and some conglomerates in a sedimentary succession interpreted as deposited in lagoonal and estuarine environments, under a tropical climate. The study of the available specimens, including teeth and postcranial remains, suggests the occurrence of Titanosauriform sauropods.

Paleoenvironments represented by the sediments of the Early Pliocene Mursi Formation, Omo Valley, Ethiopia

While our understanding of human origins has been enriched by extensive efforts to reconstruct the ancient environmental context of early hominins using information from hominin-bearing localities, comparatively little effort has been focused on contemporaneous fossil localities with abundant vertebrate fossils, but lacking hominins. We report here on new paleoenvironmental reconstructions of the Mursi Formation, Ethiopia, from which strata dated to >4 Ma preserve an abundant vertebrate fossil record lacking any known hominins, despite being part of a contiguous sedimentary basin known for its rich hominin fossil record. We combine new stratigraphic and sedimentological observations with data from paleosols preserved in the sedimentary sequence, along with isotopic data from pedogenic carbonate, paleosol organic matter, and sulfur minerals preserved in the sediments (gypsum, native sulfur). Paleosol features and carbon isotopic composition of fossil organic matter and pedogenic carbonate complement data from the mammalian fauna, the sum of which provide evidence of closed woodland to forest vegetation. Sedimentological data indicate that these wooded terrestrial habitats occurred near aquatic settings characterized by stagnant shallow waters of a freshwater lake, providing a reconstruction of unique habitats in contrast with hominin localities >4 Ma.

Multi-proxy paleohydrological and paleoecological reconstruction of a subaquatic cave in western Cuba

Submerged caves are potentially rich but relatively untapped sources of paleoenvironmental, paleontological, and archaeological data. The purpose of this study is to undertake a paleohydrological and paleoecological reconstruction of an underwater cave, Cueva Chicharrones, in Matanzas, Cuba. Technical cave divers collected sediment cores from within the cave, which were studied for grain size, seeds, ostracods, and pollen, and were dated by radiocarbon and luminescence methods. The chronology of the sediments and the resulting paleohydrological reconstruction, based on the interpretation of the sedimentary facies, help to constrain the timing of water level changes in the cave, which appear to be driven by a combination of relative sea level and regional climatic variability. Specifically, the results indicate that the cave was likely dry prior to 7000 cal yr BP, and was flooded by 6500 cal yr BP (a time consistent with humid conditions in much of the northern Caribbean). Then, water levels decreased between 6500 and 2000 cal yr BP, when regional climate was drier, and increased around 1000 cal yr BP, due to a shift to a more humid climate. The seeds found in some of the cores consist of the genera Ficus, Cecropia, and Solanum and may have been deposited by frugivorous bats, although the possibility of transport by storm water cannot be ruled out. The pollen data are consistent with the information derived from the seeds, and indicate that pollen spectra variability was probably driven by changes in water level, environmental and climatic conditions, and possibly bat activity. This study is the first of its kind from a submerged cave in Cuba and highlights the potential of underwater caves as archives of regional paleoclimatic and relative sea level data. In addition, given the presence of abundant vertebrate fossils present in the cave, our work will provide important context for the study of these remains and help inform on Caribbean paleoecology and paleontology.

A New Basal Neornithischian Dinosaur from the Phu Kradung Formation (Upper Jurassic) of Northeastern Thailand

An exceptional articulated skeleton of a new basal neornithischian dinosaur, Minimocursor phunoiensis gen. et sp. nov., was discovered in the Late Jurassic Phu Kradung Formation at the Phu Noi locality, Kalasin Province, Thailand, a highly productive non-marine fossil vertebrate locality of the Khorat Plateau. It is one of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in Southeast Asia. Minimocursor phunoiensis gen. et sp. nov. shows a combination of both plesiomorphic and apomorphic characters resembling those of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous small-bodied ornithischians from China: a low subtriangular boss is projected laterally on the surface of the jugal, the brevis shelf of the ilium is visible in lateral view along its entire length, a distinct supraacetabular flange is present on the pubic peduncle of the ilium, the prepubis tip extends beyond the distal end of the preacetabular process of the ilium, and the manus digit formula is ?-3-4-3-2. The phylogenetic analysis shows that this dinosaur is among the most basal neornithischians. This study provides a better understanding of the early evolution and taxonomic diversity of ornithischians in Southeast Asia.

A new extinct conifer Brachyoxylon from the Middle Jurassic in southern China: Wood anatomy, leaf phenology and paleoclimate

The Jurassic System in the Sichuan Basin of eastern Asia is represented by the extensive development of massive thick red beds, mainly composed of purplish-red sandstones and mudstones. Abundant invertebrate and vertebrate fossils have been recovered from these Jurassic red beds. However, fossil woods are much less documented. Here, we describe fossil woods from the Middle Jurassic Shaximiao Formation at Qijiang of Chongqing City in southeastern Sichuan Basin, China, obtaining typical Brachyoxylon anatomy with mixed radial tracheid pitting and araucarioid cross-field pitting. Owing to a novel combination of radial tracheid pitting, cross-field pitting and ray height, a new species, Brachyoxylon qijiangense Xie, Wang et Tian sp. nov. is recognized here. Based on the tree mean sensitivity and leaf retention time analysis, along with the comparison with other invertebrate and leaf fossils in the Shaximiao Formation, the new fossil woods bearing true growth rings with abundant, well-formed earlywood and extremely narrow latewood indicates that B. qijiangense sp. nov. was an evergreen tree growing in a warm and humid climate with mild seasonality during the Middle Jurassic in Qijiang, probably in a flooding-disturbed, streamside condition.

On a skeletally immature individual of Unaysaurus tolentinoi (Dinosauria: Sauropodomorpha) from the upper Triassic of southern Brazil.

The lineage of sauropodomorph dinosaurs raised some of the most impressive animals that ever walked on Earth. However, the massive titans of the Mesozoic Era originated from far smaller dinosaurs. The Triassic beds from Brazil yielded the earliest part of this evolutionary history. Despite the diverse fossil record of early sauropodomorphs, juvenile specimens, as well as certain species are poorly sampled. This is the case for Unaysaurus tolentinoi, an unaysaurid sauropodomorph from Caturrita Formation (ca. 225 Ma; early Norian, Late Triassic). The holotype and only specimen of U. tolentinoi was excavated from the Água Negra Locality (São Martinho da Serra, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) in 1998. More than two decades later, no other fossil vertebrates have been reported from the same fossiliferous site. Here we describe a skeletally immature specimen which was found in association with the holotype of U. tolentinoi. The specimen was discovered after a first-hand examination of the holotype and comprises some isolated vertebrae and elements from the posterior autopodium. According to linear regressions, its metatarsal I is approximately 41.7 mm in length, compared to approximately 75.9 mm in the holotype. The repeated elements and reduced size indicates that it does not belong to the elements originally used to erect U. tolentinoi. Rather, the specimen is assigned to U. tolentinoi by topotypy and shared morphology. In addition to the reduced size, distinct lines of evidence (e.g., neurocentral sutures; bone texture) support its assignment to a skeletally immature individual. In sum, the new material expands the record of U. tolentinoi, and represents an additional juvenile dinosaur from the Caturrita Formation.

Quaternary plant macrofossils from Robertson Cave, Naracoorte, South Australia: reproductive structures

The World Heritage Naracoorte Caves in southeastern South Australia are important palaeontological sites known primarily for their diverse vertebrate fossils. Some of the caves also contain well-preserved Quaternary plant macrofossils, but little palaeobotanical research has been undertaken to date. Here, we describe the angiosperm plant taxa represented by macrofossils of reproductive structures that have been extracted from the Robertson Cave sediment deposit; this has an age range of 820–24,230 years BP. We identified 29 angiosperm taxa representing 20 families. These represent some of the plant species that grew in the Naracoorte region during the Quaternary, and form a database for future plant identification and palaeovegetation reconstructions. Rachel A. Atkins [rachel.atkins@adelaide.edu.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Robert S. Hill [bob.hill@adelaide.edu.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia and Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Kathryn E. Hill [kathryn@debillenvironmental.com.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia and DeBill Environmental, 13 Hawkesbury Ave, Kilburn, South Australia 5084, Australia; Samantha E.M. Munroe [Samantha.Munroe@csiro.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005; Elizabeth H. Reed [liz.reed@adelaide.edu.au], School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia, Environment Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia, and Earth and Biological Sciences (Palaeontology), South Australian Museum, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.

Transfer of the Cretaceous fossil vertebrate collection from Columbus State University to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Transfer of the Cretaceous fossil vertebrate collection from Columbus State University to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Los dinosaurios de la cuenca del Maestrat: Evolución de los hadrosauriformes en el este de la península ibérica

The Maestrat Basin, in the Iberian System, has proved to be a key point for the study of the hadrosauriform dinosaurs of the Lower Cretaceous period in Europe. The Aliaga, Galve, and Morella sub-basins have all yielded abundant fossils of Mesozoic vertebrates, among which dinosaurs, and especially hadrosauriform styracosternal ornithopods, are the most abundant group from these areas. In this article, we review recent findings in the Maestrat Basin, which suggest that the diversity of this clade during the Barremian–Albian period was greater than originally thought, providing us with valuable information for the study and understanding of the evolution of these dinosaurs.

Palynofacies analysis of the JOG16N-8 borehole, K5 formation from the Maniamba Basin (middle Permian), Mozambique: A contribution for hydrocarbon exploration

The Maniamba Basin in Mozambique is surveyed mainly in regard to coal exploration. However, this basin is also known for containing well preserved fossil plants and vertebrate fossils that shed light to the understanding of Gondwana ecosystems. Nevertheless, organic matter analysis (palynofacies) and its implication for depositional environment and hydrocarbon source rock have not yet been performed. Here, we report for the first time in the Maniamba Basin, results from palynofacies analysis combined with thermal maturation and kerogen typification. Palynofacies analysis was applied on 69 samples from the sediments of the JOGN16N-8 borehole, K5 Formation (middle Permian).The results indicate that sediments are dominated by phytoclasts with less abundant sporomorphs and sparse amorphous organic matter (AOM). Three palynofacies were identified suggesting depositional settings in a general proximal and oxic lacustrine-fluvial deltaic environment. The dominance of opaque phytoclasts may be due to wildfires, oxidation conditions before or post deposition in proximity to terrestrial settings and an environment under obliquity cycle controlled monsoon climate. The organic matter composition combined with Spore Colour Index (SCI), pointed out the existence of an abundant type IV kerogen followed by type III in immature phase suggesting very little or no potential for gas exploration. Very few horizons suggest the existence of kerogen type II. This study, gives significant information for better understanding of the variation of organic matter, palaeoenvironment and source rock potential of the studied area.

"Carbonífero de Puertollano" Natural Monument (Puertollano basin, Spain): a window for the knowledge of Early Vertebrates

Coal mining at the Puertollano Carboniferous basin has led to the discovery and study of numerous fossiliferous layers, rich in chondrichthyan, actinopterigyan and tetrapod remains. The end of the mining operations and closure of the mines could also represent complete cease of paleontological prospections and field work at the Puertollano basin. Fortunately, three quarries, called María Isabel, La Extranjera and La Tejera, have been declared a Natural Monument. Consequently, they are protected by law and reserved for geological and palaeontological scientific research. In this paper, we describe the geology of the Natural Monument and its vertebrate fossil record. The outcrops of the three quarries show the most superficial part of the stratigraphic series so that they inform about the latest stages of the sedimentological and palaeogeographical evolution of the Puertollano basin. The actual coal basin appears to represent a remnant of a much larger basin which opened eastward to the Paleo-Tethys. The diverse chondrichthyan assemblage (acanthodians, xenacanths and euselachians) and euryhaline actinopterygians, and the presence of tidal rhythmites, indicate an estuarine-deltaic environment. Future sedimentological and paleontological studies at the Natural Monument will inform about the degree of marine influence in the basin and the changes of the vertebrate communities.

Paleopathology in Brazilian fossil vertebrates: a review

ABSTRACT Palaeopathology is the science that seeks to understand the pathological processes in fossils and mummies. Such understanding ranges from identifying diseases and how they work to raising hypotheses on how these illnesses have affected the individual’s life and even that of an entire community. In this sense, there has been about Brazilian palaeopathology since 1990; however, only in the last decade has the theme gained prominence and been explored. Thus, this review of palaeopathologies in Brazilian terrestrial vertebrates presents an overview of more than 20 diseases that affected approximately seven groups of those animals, distributed from the Palaeozoic (Eopermian) to the Cenozoic (Quaternary). The development of each disease and the possible impacts caused on the lives of the affected wildlife were analysed for each illness, as well as the techniques used by each researcher and the notes they made. Some of the identified pathologies extend geographically and chronologically several diseases previously restricted to only a few groups of vertebrates and/or regions of the globe. Besides these Palaeopathological studies help in understanding how the pathology altered the biomechanics of a given animal, in establishing ecological relationships, and many other arrangements.