Virtual reconstruction of the neurocranial anatomy of Kansajsuchus extensus (Neosuchia: Paralligatoridae) from the Upper Cretaceous of Tadzhikistan with a review of braincase osteology in Neosuchia
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The braincase features appear phylogenetically informative and key in assessing the still contentious relationships within Crocodylomorpha. Yet, the neurocrania of many non-crocodylian taxa are imperfectly studied. In the present paper, we describe the braincase osteology and neuroanatomy of a paralligatorid crocodylomorph Kansajsuchus extensus from the Upper Cretaceous Kansai locality in Tadzhikistan based on CT-scanning, segmentation, and 3D modeling. The detailed comparison of K. extensus with other taxa expands our understanding of the neurocranial anatomy and evolution in Neosuchia. The braincase anatomy appears to be relatively consistent across most non-crocodylian neosuchians, but important changes in its structure are traced through the neosuchian–eusuchian transition and especially at the base of Crocodylia. We question the close affinities of Dyrosauridae and Pholidosauridae based on significant differences in their braincases.
期刊介绍:
Cretaceous Research provides a forum for the rapid publication of research on all aspects of the Cretaceous Period, including its boundaries with the Jurassic and Palaeogene. Authoritative papers reporting detailed investigations of Cretaceous stratigraphy and palaeontology, studies of regional geology, and reviews of recently published books are complemented by short communications of significant new findings.
Papers submitted to Cretaceous Research should place the research in a broad context, with emphasis placed towards our better understanding of the Cretaceous, that are therefore of interest to the diverse, international readership of the journal. Full length papers that focus solely on a local theme or area will not be accepted for publication; authors of short communications are encouraged to discuss how their findings are of relevance to the Cretaceous on a broad scale.
Research Areas include:
• Regional geology
• Stratigraphy and palaeontology
• Palaeobiology
• Palaeobiogeography
• Palaeoceanography
• Palaeoclimatology
• Evolutionary Palaeoecology
• Geochronology
• Global events.