How to translate text using browser tools
1 September 2016 New Rebbachisaurid (Sauropoda, Diplodocoidea) Cranial Remains from the Cretaceous oF Patagonia, Argentina, and the First Endocranial Description for a South American Representative of the Clade
Ariana Paulina Carabajal, Juan I. Canale, Alejandro Haluza
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Here we report new rebbachisaurid material (MMCh-PV 71) recovered from the Candeleros Formation (Cenomanian) of northwest Patagonia, Argentina. The cranial remains consist of a partial braincase and a right quadrate. Fractures in the braincase exposed the endocranial cavity, allowing the first study of the brain and inner ear morphologies of a South American rebbachisaurid. The braincase and cranial endocast both exhibit traits similar to those observed in the Cretaceous rebbachisaurs Nigersaurus from Africa and Limaysaurus from Argentina, although in terms of osteology, the South American taxa are highly similar. The endocast of MMCh-PV 71 is more similar to that of Nigersaurus than to those of Diplodocus and Camarasaurus, suggesting some probable rebbachisaurid features such as the noteworthy presence of the flocculus. The overall morphology of the quadrate shows similarities with Limaysaurus and Nigersaurus. However, differences such as the broader posterior fossa and the shape and orientation of the head and the pterygoid process indicate that the new specimen could represent a distinct taxon.

© by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology
Ariana Paulina Carabajal, Juan I. Canale, and Alejandro Haluza "New Rebbachisaurid (Sauropoda, Diplodocoidea) Cranial Remains from the Cretaceous oF Patagonia, Argentina, and the First Endocranial Description for a South American Representative of the Clade," Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 36(5), (1 September 2016). https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2016.1167067
Received: 2 September 2015; Accepted: 1 February 2016; Published: 1 September 2016
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top