Exceptional soft-tissue preservation in a theropod dinosaur from Italy

Article Abstract:

The Pietraroia dinosaur discovered in Benevento Province, southern Italy, is exceptionally well preserved. The dinosaur, identified as Scipionyx samniticus gen. et nov., represents a new maniraptoriform theropod. It is particularly remarkable for the preservation of soft parts. Muscles exist in the pectoral area, and there is a fascium with at least three different arrangements of fibrae longae at the tail base. The gastralia, still in life position, permit estimation of the abdominal depth.

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Fossilized theropod soft tissue

Article Abstract:

The discovery of non-avian theropod dinosaur fossils of the Cretaceous period with soft tissues gives new insights into the anatomical details of extinct animals. The soft tissue is different in texture and color from the matrix and bones. Analysis of the soft tissue using a scanning electron microscope reveals the presence of rod-like structures. The outer layers have a high content of calcium phosphate.

Research, Usage, Fossils, Scanning electron microscopes

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Pterosaur diversity and faunal turnover in Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems in China

Article Abstract:

Two new pterosaurs that are referred to European groups previously unknown in deposits of northeastern China are reported. New specimens and an analysis of the Jehol pterosaur faunae of northeastern China reveal an unexpected diversity of flying reptile groups in terrestrial Cretaceous ecosystems.

China, Discovery and exploration, Cretaceous period, Pterosaurs

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