Topic
Microposaurus
About: Microposaurus is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3 publications have been published within this topic receiving 38 citations.
Papers
TL;DR: Microposaurus casei, a poorly known temnospondyl from Subzone B of the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone (Middle Triassic) of the Karoo of South Africa, is redescribed in detail following additional preparation of the holotype skull as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Microposaurus casei, a poorly known temnospondyl from Subzone B of the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone (Middle Triassic) of the Karoo of South Africa, is redescribed in detail following additional preparation of the holotype skull. New and previously misinterpreted aspects of the skull roof, palate, and occiput are described, revealing an unusual skull morphology and a suite of autapomorphies. Contrary to some previous interpretations, M. casei is unequivocally shown to be a member of the stereospondyl group Trematosauroidea, as it shares a number of synapomorphies of that group. Within the Trematosauroidea, M. casei most closely resembles the slightly older, Laurasian platystegids Inflectosaurus and Platystega.
22 citations
TL;DR: The second member of the Trematosaurinae from Australia is described as Microposaurus averyi, n. sp., from the Anisian Rouse Hill Siltstone (Ashfield Shale, Wianamatta Group, Sydney Basin) as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The second member of the Trematosaurinae (Temnospondyli, Stereospondyli) from Australia is described as Microposaurus averyi, n. sp., from the Anisian Rouse Hill Siltstone (Ashfield Shale, Wianamatta Group, Sydney Basin). This is the first occurrence of the genus from outside South Africa. M. averyi and the South African M. casei share an anterior emargination of the nostril that accommodated the dentary fangs (a condition unique among temnospondyls), but the emargination is much larger in the Australian taxon. The Anisian stereospondyls from the Sydney Basin occur in sediments younger than the early Anisian and may fill a worldwide gap in terrestrial tetrapod faunas from that time.
16 citations
TL;DR: A well-preserved mandible from the Lower Anisian Mukheiris Formation from near the Dead Sea (Jordan) proves the presence of tetrapods in the region and is identified as a stereospondyl lower jaw sharing synapomorphies with the Trematosauroidea.
Abstract: . A well-preserved mandible from the Lower Anisian Mukheiris Formation from near the Dead Sea (Jordan) proves the presence of tetrapods in the region. It is identified as a stereospondyl lower jaw sharing synapomorphies with the Trematosauroidea. It has the following combination of features: (1) Meckelian fenestra almost one-third the length of the ramus, (2) postglenoid area posterodorsally rising and robust, as long as glenoid facet, (3) preglenoid process substantially higher than medial margin of adductor chamber, (4) all teeth anteriorly and posteriorly carinate, and (5) symphysis without additional tooth rows, with a pair of unequal fangs as part of the dentary arcade, which contains unusually large teeth. The Jordan specimen shares most character-states with South African Microposaurus (size of teeth, bicarinate structure) and the Russian Inflectosaurus (preglenoid process, PGA). Phylogenetic analysis finds it to nest with Microposaurus, whereas Inflectosaurus forms an unresolved polytomy with other trematosauroids. doi: 10.1002/mmng.201100002
14 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |