Anatomy, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of Prestosuchus chiniquensis (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia) from the original collection of von Huene, Middle-Late Triassic of southern Brazil

Brenda Desojo, Julia; Belen von Baczko, Maria and Rauhut, Oliver W. M. (2020): Anatomy, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of Prestosuchus chiniquensis (Archosauria: Pseudosuchia) from the original collection of von Huene, Middle-Late Triassic of southern Brazil. In: Palaeontologia Electronica, Vol. 23, No. 1, a04

Abstract

A review of the type and referred material of von Huene shows that Prestosuchus is a valid taxon represented by, at least, three different species: the lectotype and paralectotype of Prestosuchus chiniquensis, an unnamed species from Brazil (UFRGS-PV-0152-T), and the new combination Prestosuchus nyassicus (=Stagonosuchus nyassicus). Several more recently referred specimens are also included within the genus Prestosuchus based on the absence of a vertical crest dorsal to the supracetabular rim;dorsal margin of postacetabular part of ilium concave;marked angle between pubic peduncle/obturator plate and ischial shaft;and elongate posteromedial depression on the distal fibula, making it one of the best known rauisuchian taxa. The phylogenetic analysis recovered a monophyletic Prestosuchidae including Saurosuchus galilei, Luperosuchus fractus, Prestosuchus chiniquensis, Prestosuchus nyassicus, and several specimens referred to the genus Prestosuchus. This Glade is supported by the presence of a ridge on the ventral process of the squamosal;anteroventral process of the squamosal perforates the lower temporal fenestra;palpebral bones extensively sutured to each other and to the lateral margin of the frontals;robust, knob-shaped attachment for the musculus iliofibularis on the fibula;and anterior portion of nasals elevated above the skull roof. The identification of this natural group evidenced a remarkable diversity and abundance of basal loricatans in the Middle-Late Triassic continental ecosystems of southern Gondwana.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Geosciences > Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Subjects: 500 Science > 550 Earth sciences and geology
• ISSN: 1935-3952
• Language: English