Skip to main content

IMIS

A new integrated search interface will become available in the next phase of marineinfo.org.
For the time being, please use IMIS to search available data

 

[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

An Early Cretaceous ichthyosaur from SE France: implications on the evolution of post-Liassic Ichthyosauria
Fischer, V.; Clément, A.; Guiomar, M.; Godefroit, P. (2010). An Early Cretaceous ichthyosaur from SE France: implications on the evolution of post-Liassic Ichthyosauria, in: 8th Meeting of the European Association of Vertebrate Palaeontologists, June 7th-12th, 2010, Aix-en-Provence: abstract volume. pp. 35
In: (2010). 8th Meeting of the European Association of Vertebrate Palaeontologists, June 7th-12th, 2010, Aix-en-Provence: abstract volume. European Association of Vertebrate Palaeontologists: [s.l.]. 102 pp., more

Available in  Authors 
Document type: Summary

Authors  Top 
  • Fischer, V., more
  • Clément, A.
  • Guiomar, M.
  • Godefroit, P., more

Abstract
    A complete ichthyosaur rostrum with 124 associated teeth was recently discovered in Laux-Montaux locality, department of Drôme, southeastern France. The associated belemnites and ammonites indicate a late Valanginian age (Neocomites peregrines Zone, Olcostephanus nicklesi Subzone) for this fossil, which consequently represents the first diagnostic ichthyosaur ever reported from Valanginian strata. Despite its incompleteness, this specimen is perfectly consistent with Aegirosaurus leptospondylus WAGNER 1853 and is therefore referred to this rare taxon. This specimen thus greatly increases the temporal and geographic biozones of this taxon, which was previously restricted to the Tithonian (Upper Jurassic) lithographic limestones of Bavaria (southern Germany). Moreover, it indicates that Late Jurassic ichthyosaurs actually crossed the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary with a much lighter diversity drop than previously supposed. Finally, tooth morphology and wear pattern suggest that Aegirosaurus belonged to the ?Pierce II/ Generalist? feeding guild sensu Massare (1987; 1997), which was hitherto not represented in post-Liassic ichthyosaurs.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors