No full-text available
To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.
... This material was initially re-assigned to T. antiquus (Wild, 1980a). However, Wild subsequently considered this material to differ from Tanystropheus spp. to such a degree that it belonged to a different genus, but did not formally re-assign this material (Wild, 1987). Later, the Buntsandstein specimens were assigned to a new genus and species, Amotosaurus rotfeldensis, whilst T. antiquus was tentatively maintained as a valid taxon representing material from the Lower Muschelkalk (Fraser and Rieppel, 2006). ...
... Although these minor differences were considered not to be sufficient to define a species, the distinction between the two taxa was maintained in expectation of additional specimens from the Upper Muschelkalk that would allow for a more complete comparison. Although never providing a formal revision, Wild later considered T. conspicuus to very likely be indistinguishable from T. longobardicus (Wild, 1980a(Wild, , 1980b(Wild, , 1987. Tanystropheus antiquus showed more disparity from T. longobardicus in having distinctly shorter cervical vertebrae with more pronounced neural spines and zygapophyses (Wild, 1973), as was also pointed out previously in comparison to T. conspicuus (Huene, 1907(Huene, -1908. ...
... Additional variation in the cervical vertebrae could be found in the presence of the ventral foramen (foramina venae vertebralis sensu Wild, 1973Wild, , 1987 Figure 5D), the anteroposterior length of the postzygapophyseal canal, the height of the posterior opening of the neural canal, the depth of the excavation of the articular ends of the cervical centra, the shape of the articular ends of the cervical centra, how distinct the ventral keel is pronounced, Figure 5C-D). In other observed specimens, the neural spine is not markedly expanded here and straight. ...
Tanystropheus represents one of the most characteristic genera of Triassic reptiles and is typified by easily recognizable, hyperelongate cervical vertebrae. First described in 1852, isolated cervical vertebrae and other remains have been referred to the genus and various species have been erected and rejected based on this material. This has resulted in a complicated and convoluted taxonomic history of the genus and confusion as to the validity of species and the referral of specimens. With the exception of the well-represented T. longobardicus, the five other species of Tanystropheus are known from isolated elements or a single, partial specimen. Here, we provide a complete overview of the taxonomic history and a revision of the genus based on first hand observations of the type material of most of the species. From this, we conclude that T. conspicuus and T. haasi should be considered nomina dubia and that T. meridensis constitutes a junior synonym to T. longobardicus. Furthermore, T. longobardicus can be subdivided into two discrete morphotypes that might represent separate species. However, a more detailed study is required to test this hypothesis. Finally, T. fossai is considered distinctly different from the other Tanystropheus taxa and is therefore referred to a separate genus, Sclerostropheus.
... The Buntsandstein precedes the Muschelkalk and in contrast to the latter represents largely fluvial sediments (Feist-Burkhardt et al., 2008), and Wild (1980b) concluded that the discovery of "Tanystropheus antiquus" from the Buntsandstein indicated that at least the juvenile individuals of this species had a terrestrial lifestyle. Both Wild (1987) and Evans (1988) later suggested that "Tanystropheus antiquus" might belong to a separate genus, based on the large morphological discrepancy between this taxon and other Tanystropheus species. Fraser & Rieppel (2006) revised the Buntsandstein specimens and concluded that it represented a separate taxon from the Lower Muschelkalk specimens of "Tanystropheus antiquus" and assigned it to the new species Amotosaurus rotfeldensis. ...
The historical clade “Protorosauria” represents an important group of archosauromorph reptiles that had a wide geographic distribution between the Late Permian and Late Triassic. “Protorosaurs” are characterized by their long necks, which are epitomized in the genus Tanystropheus and in Dinocephalosaurus orientalis . Recent phylogenetic analyses have indicated that “Protorosauria” is a polyphyletic clade, but the exact relationships of the various “protorosaur” taxa within the archosauromorph lineage is currently uncertain. Several taxa, although represented by relatively complete material, have previously not been assessed phylogenetically. We present a new phylogenetic hypothesis that comprises a wide range of archosauromorphs, including the most exhaustive sample of “protorosaurs” to date and several “protorosaur” taxa from the eastern Tethys margin that have not been included in any previous analysis. The polyphyly of “Protorosauria” is confirmed and therefore we suggest the usage of this term should be abandoned. Tanystropheidae is recovered as a monophyletic group and the Chinese taxa Dinocephalosaurus orientalis and Pectodens zhenyuensis form a new archosauromorph clade, Dinocephalosauridae, which is closely related to Tanystropheidae. The well-known crocopod and former “protorosaur” Prolacerta broomi is considerably less closely related to Archosauriformes than was previously considered.
... TaxonLength of the cervical vertebral centra, mm Tanystropheus" antiquus (afterHuene, 1931;Wild, 1980Wild, , 1987Wild and Oosterink, 1984) ...
A new large specialized prolacertilian, Vritramimosaurus dzerzhinskii gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Triassic of the Rassypnaya locality (Orenburg Region, European Russia) and new specimens of the Middle Triassic prolacertilian Malutinisuchus gratus are described. The diversity, phylogeny, systematics, and geographical and stratigraphic distribution of prolacertilians are discussed.
... TaxonLength of the cervical vertebral centra, mm Tanystropheus" antiquus (afterHuene, 1931;Wild, 1980Wild, , 1987Wild and Oosterink, 1984) ...
A new large specialized prolacertilian, Vritramimosaimis dzerzhinskii gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Triassic of the Rassypnaya locality (Orenburg Region, European Russia) and new specimens of the Middle Triassic prolacertilian Malutinisuchus grains are described. The diversity, phylogeny, systematics, and geographical and stratigraphie distribution of prolacertilians are discussed.
... Tanystropheiden in Nordamerika, Europa und China bezeugt weiterhin den großen Erfolg dieser Tiergruppe. L i t e r a t u r : WILD (1973WILD ( , 1980bWILD ( , 1987; TSCHANZ (1986); RENESTO (1994);LI et al. (2004LI et al. ( , 2006; FRASER & RIEPPEL (2006 ...
The reptile fauna of the Lower Keuper has recently been studied in more detail, after a decade of excavation yielded rich finds from numerous aquatic and terrestrial groups. The marine or brackish reptiles encompass the sauropterygians Nothosaurus (4 species), Simosaurus, Neusticosaurus, and Psephosaurus. Only known by its vertebrae, the thalattosaur-like Blezingeria remains still enigmatic. Tanystropheids are present with a large species of Tanystropheus and a smaller taxon known by teeth and cervical vertebrae from lake deposits. Amphibious and terrestrial reptiles are primarily known from lake deposits such as Vellberg. The sicle-toothed Zanclodon laevis is ranked as an archosauriform with uncertain affi nites. The rauisuchian top predator Batrachotomus kupferzellensis forms one of the best studied pseudosuchians, represented by different size classes from Kupferzell and Vellberg. The following new taxa have been discovered and identifi ed in the last decade: (1) the enigmatic tetrapod Colognathus with its characteristic crushing dentition and pointed snout, (2) jaws of an indeterminate procolophonid, (3) skulls or skeletons of several small diapsids, among them a tiny protorosaur, two lepidosauromorphs and a rhynchocephalian, (4) skeletons of new archosauriforms, among them the armadillo-like doswelliid Jaxtasuchus, an unarmoured herbivorous taxon with teeth similar to Azendohsaurus, a small heavily armoured potential insectivore. An armoured species with bulbous teeth and tear drop-shaped osteoderms probably forms a second, more basal rauisuchian taxon than Batrachotomus. (5) The recently described stem turtle Pappochelys rosinae forms the most ancient and primitive memberof the turtle clade.
... Furthermore, it is not clear what Diedrich means when he writes: 'a few shorter necked species were described as Tanystrophaeus antiquus'. Following Wild (1987) and Evans (1988), in fact, T. antiquus does not belong to this genus anymore. ...
The Middle Triassic vertebrates are proving to be very important witnesses not only to the post P/Tr crisis recovery, but also of the palaeobiology and paleogeography. The western Tethys (especially the Monte San Giorgio fossiliferous series) and the Germanic Basin are of particular interest as they show similar vertebrate assemblages in somewhat different environmental patterns and ages. Furthermore, the MSG specimens are usually complete and concentrated in different levels spanning from Late Anisian to Late Ladinian, while vertebrates of the Germanic basin often consist of scattered remains, sometimes gathered in bone-beds.In the last years Diedrich proposed a number of restorations, concerning both organisms and palaeoenvironment. Very often his work does not consider other authors' papers, and a few concepts, such as the supposed ‘anatomic convergence’ between a sauropterigyan reptile and a mammal, appear scientifically unsound. In this comment the author points out some uncertain data and unproven conclusions in Diedrich's paper.
Tanystropheus longobardicus is one of the most remarkable and iconic Triassic reptiles. Mainly known from the Middle Triassic conservation Lagerstätte of Monte San Giorgio on the Swiss-Italian border, it is characterized by an extraordinarily long and stiffened neck that is almost three times the length of the trunk, despite being composed of only 13 hyper-elongate cervical vertebrae [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Its paleobiology remains contentious, with both aquatic and terrestrial lifestyles having been proposed [1, 9, 10, 11, 12]. Among the Tanystropheus specimens, a small morphotype bearing tricuspid teeth and a large morphotype bearing single-cusped teeth can be recognized, historically considered as juveniles and adults of the same species [4]. Using high-resolution synchrotron radiation microtomography (SRμCT), we three-dimensionally reconstruct a virtually complete but disarticulated skull of the large morphotype, including its endocast and inner ear, to reveal its morphology for the first time. The skull is specialized toward hunting in an aquatic environment, indicated by the placement of the nares on the top of the snout and a “fish-trap”-type dentition. The SRμCT data and limb bone paleohistology reveal that the large morphotype represents a separate species (Tanystropheus hydroides sp. nov.). Skeletochronology of the small morphotype specimens indicates that they are skeletally mature despite their small size, thus representing adult individuals of Tanystropheus longobardicus. The co-occurrence of these two species of disparate size ranges and dentitions provides strong evidence for niche partitioning, highlighting the surprising versatility of the Tanystropheus bauplan and the complexity of Middle Triassic nearshore ecosystems.
The early evolution of archosauromorphs during the Permo-Triassic constitutes an excellent empirical case study to shed light on evolutionary radiations in deep time and the timing and processes of recovery of terrestrial faunas after a mass extinction. However, macroevolutionary studies of early archosauromorphs are currently limited by poor knowledge of their phylogenetic relationships. In particular, one of the main early archosauromorph groups that need an exhaustive phylogenetic study is “Proterosuchia,” which as historically conceived includes members of both Proterosuchidae and Erythrosuchidae. A new data matrix composed of 96 separate taxa (several of them not included in a quantitative phylogenetic analysis before) and 600 osteological characters was assembled and analysed to generate a comprehensive higher-level phylogenetic hypothesis of basal archosauromorphs and shed light on the species-level interrelationships of taxa historically identified as proterosuchian archosauriforms. The results of the analysis using maximum parsimony include a polyphyletic “Prolacertiformes” and “Protorosauria,” in which the Permian
Aenigmastropheus
and
Protorosaurus
are the most basal archosauromorphs. The enigmatic choristoderans are either found as the sister-taxa of all other lepidosauromorphs or archosauromorphs, but consistently placed within Sauria. Prolacertids, rhynchosaurs, allokotosaurians and tanystropheids are the major successive sister clades of Archosauriformes. The Early Triassic
Tasmaniosaurus
is recovered as the sister-taxon of Archosauriformes. Proterosuchidae is unambiguosly restricted to five species that occur immediately after and before the Permo-Triassic boundary, thus implying that they are a short-lived “disaster” clade. Erythrosuchidae is composed of eight nominal species that occur during the Early and Middle Triassic. “Proterosuchia” is polyphyletic, in which erythrosuchids are more closely related to
Euparkeria
and more crownward archosauriforms than to proterosuchids, and several species are found widespread along the archosauromorph tree, some being nested within Archosauria (e.g., “
Chasmatosaurus ultimus
,”
Youngosuchus
). Doswelliids and proterochampsids are recovered as more closely related to each other than to other archosauromorphs, forming a large clade (Proterochampsia) of semi-aquatic to aquatic forms that includes the bizarre genus
Vancleavea
.
Euparkeria
is one of the sister-taxa of the clade composed of proterochampsians and archosaurs. The putative Indian archosaur
Yarasuchus
is recovered in a polytomy with
Euparkeria
and more crownward archosauriforms, and as more closely related to the Russian
Dongusuchus
than to other species. Phytosaurs are recovered as the sister-taxa of all other pseudosuchians, thus being nested within Archosauria.
Abstract - After more than one century since the first report of Tanystropheus longobardicus from the Middle Triassic of Besano, new specimens from the same outcrops are described. These specimens include two articulated skeletons and an isolated pes, all from small-sized individuals, and fragmentary remains of larger individuals, i.e. a skull with some associated cervical vertebrae, an isolated dorsal vertebra and isolated cervical ribs.
This new material confirms the presence of T. longobardicus in the Besano Formation, which previously yielded few evidence. Moreover, it includes remarkably complete and well preserved specimens which provided the opportunity of a new interpretation of the anatomy of Tanystropheus, formerly described on the basis of a rich sample from the Swiss Grenzbitumenzone.
The description presented here applies to small-sized individuals of Tanystropheus, traditionally interpreted as the juveniles of T. longobardicus. However, the point is raised that they might represent the adults of a different species, demonstrating the presence of two taxa among the Swiss and Italian material referred to
T. longobardicus. The holotype, and the single known specimen, of the small-sized Tanystropheus meridensis from the Meride Limestone is also considered and re-interpreted, leading to the conclusion that this species is probably a junior synonym of T. longobardicus.
Comparisons of the specimens of Tanystropheus from the Besano Formation with those from the equivalent Grenzbitumenzone helped to find the problematic elements of the classical reconstruction.
A new reconstruction of the skull of Tanystropheus is presented based on a three-dimensional clay model, with a
re-interpretation of the pre-orbital region, the skull roof, and the lower jaw. The reconstruction of the temporal region of the skull is shown to be highly problematical. Finally, the new specimens confirm the presence of a sclerotic ring in Tanystropheus.
In the postcranial skeleton, the more important new information concern the morphology of the appendicular skeleton, which is remarkably well preserved in the new specimens. In particular, preservation of complete and perfectly articulated manus and pedes for the first time yields unequivocal evidence on their morphology.
The anatomy of the appendicular skeleton, in particular that of the hindlimb, is discussed in the context of locomotion mode. An overall view of previous studies on the mode of life of Tanystropheus is presented and discussed. According to these results, Tanystropheus should be regarded as a marine protorosaur, with close terrestrial ancestors, living in shallow waters. The feeding strategy of Tanystropheus is discussed, on the assumption that it likely was a slow, axial or paraxial swimmer with a stiff neck.
In conclusion, the new information obtained from the specimens described here is evaluated in the context of the recent cladistic analyses of protorosaurian relationships, highlighting the bearing of systematic anatomical work of original materials on the description and coding of phylogenetically informative characters.
A new genus and species of protorosaur is described on the basis of material originally referred to Tanystropheus antiquus from the Upper Buntsandstein of the Black Forest, Germany. The new taxon is characterized by eight cervical vertebrae that bear markedly elongate cervical ribs, a shagreen of denticles covering the vomers, palatines and pterygoids, a bifurcate second sacral rib, a well-ossified tarsus with three distal tarsals, and an elongate proximal phalanx on digit five. The status of Tanystropheus antiquus is discussed and, while it is retained, its validity is questioned.
A new species of the terrestrial protorosaur Macrocnemus is briefly described and named Macrocne-mus fuyuanensis sp. nov. The specimen was found from the marine Triassic of Yunnan Province, southwestern China. It differs from the type
species M. bassanii in having the following characters: (1) 17 or 18 dorsal vertebrae; (2) relatively long humerus; and (3) femur longer than
tibia. M. fuyuanensis is the only record of the genus outside Monte San Giorgio area and the first definite terrestrial reptile found from the
marine Triassic of China. The age of the fossil-bearing Zhuganpo Member of the Falang Formation is believed to be the Ladinian
based on associated vertebrate fauna. The existence of Mac-rocnemus in the limestone suggests the presence of a terrestrial ecosystem which probably originated from the Anisian and well developed
in the Ladinian in this region. The island system along the north-coast of Tethyan during the Triassic was probably an important
route for the exchanges of rep-tiles, especially the terrestrial reptiles between the west and east.
A new genus and species Pamelaria dolichotrachela, belonging to the family Prolacertidae is reported for the first time from the Middle Triassic of India. The material consisting of associated skeletons and isolated bones has been excavated from the red mudstone of Yerrapalli Formation of Pranhita–Godavari Basin, South India. The nature of disposition of bones strongly suggests a catastrophic death and quick burial. The reconstructed skeleton of P. dolichotrachela strongly suggests that it was a quadrupedal sprawler.A detailed description of the new taxon and its comparison with other better known prolacertids of the world reveals a very close resemblance with Prolacerta broomi [Ann. Mag. Nat. History 16 (1935) 197], the type genus and species of the family. A number of characters like a relatively large skeleton; confluent nostril, lower jaw with a prominent coronoid and accessory neural spines in the posteriorcaudals with a sudden shift of neural spine position establish its distinctiveness.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.