No Palaeocene 'mammal-like reptile.' (response to R.C. Fox, G.P. Youzwyshyn and D.W. Krause, Nature, vol. 358, p. 233, 1992)
Article Abstract:
The anatomical evidence relating to the fossil Chronoperates paradoxus discounts the claim that this specimen is a 'mammal-like reptile' or nonmammalian synapsids whose discovery in the Paleocene of Alberta, CN, shows that such animals were alive 100,000 years later than is commonly thought. A new anatomical examination of the fossil's postcanines, pseudoprismatic enamel, alleged postdentary bones and masseteric fossa casts doubt on the classification of this species as a nonmammalian cynodont.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A plant-eating crocodyliform reptile from the Cretaceous of China
Article Abstract:
The multicuspid molariform teeth in crocodyliform fossils dating from the Lower Cretaceous in China show that the structure of the teeth is similar to that of postcanine teeth of tritylodontid synapsids, having back-to-front motion during jaw closing. Certain features indicate its close relation to the Notosuchidae from the Cretaceous of Gondwana. This new crocodyliform appears to have been herbivorous.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Ruffling feathers
Article Abstract:
Two new studies show that feathers already existed before birds and avian flight, and therefore did not evolve for the purpose of flight. Fossils from China show that some non-avian theropod dinosaurs had true feathers.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The radio afterglow from the gamma-ray burst of 8 May 1997. Position and parallax of the gamma-ray burst of 8 May 1997
- Abstracts: Relations of small mammal populations to even-aged shelterwood systems in sub-boreal spruce forest. Silvicultural use of herbicide in sub-boreal spruce forest: implications for small mammal population dynamics
- Abstracts: On the use of surrogate species in conservation biology. Reliability of conservation actions based on elasticity analysis of matrix models
- Abstracts: Male density, female density and inter-sexual conflict in a stream-dwelling insect. Optimal diet theory: when does it work, and when and why does it fail
- Abstracts: The family tree flowers. The origin and early evolution of plants on land. Turning over a new leaf