cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19430414
title: The osteology of <i>Ferrodraco lentoni</i>, an anhanguerid pterosaur from the mid-Cretaceous of Australia

description: <i>Ferrodraco lentoni</i>, an anhanguerid from the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of northeast Australia, is the most complete Australian pterosaur described to date, represented by a partial cranium, incomplete cervical series and wing elements. Herein we present a comprehensive osteological description of <i>Ferrodraco</i>, as well as an emended diagnosis for this taxon. In addition, we compare <i>Ferrodraco</i> with other isolated pterosaur remains from Australian Cretaceous deposits. Subtle, yet salient, differences indicate that at least three of these specimens, all derived from the upper Albian Toolebuc Formation, are distinct from <i>Ferrodraco</i>. However, we are uncertain whether these specimens are attributable to <i>Mythunga camara</i>, <i>Aussiedraco molnari</i>, <i>Thapunngaka shawi</i>, or an as yet un-named taxon. Detailed description of the postcranial material of <i>Ferrodraco</i> also provides an opportunity to reassess its phylogenetic position. In one analysis, <i>Ferrodraco</i> and <i>Mythunga</i> are resolved as sister taxa within Tropeognathinae, whereas in another, <i>Ferrodraco</i>, <i>Mythunga</i>, and <i>Tropeognathus</i> form a polytomy within Coloborhynchinae. Either way, these slight differences notwithstanding, a close relationship between <i>Ferrodraco</i> and <i>Mythunga</i> is evident, supporting the interpretation that they form a clade. By contrast, <i>Aussiedraco molnari</i> is resolved as a member of Targaryendraconia, a clade with a cosmopolitan distribution. The presence of several anhanguerian taxa or lineages in the late Early and early Late Cretaceous of northeast Australia is suggestive of even greater diversity in the Australian pterosaur fauna.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19430414.v1
title: The osteology of <i>Ferrodraco lentoni</i>, an anhanguerid pterosaur from the mid-Cretaceous of Australia

description: <i>Ferrodraco lentoni</i>, an anhanguerid from the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of northeast Australia, is the most complete Australian pterosaur described to date, represented by a partial cranium, incomplete cervical series and wing elements. Herein we present a comprehensive osteological description of <i>Ferrodraco</i>, as well as an emended diagnosis for this taxon. In addition, we compare <i>Ferrodraco</i> with other isolated pterosaur remains from Australian Cretaceous deposits. Subtle, yet salient, differences indicate that at least three of these specimens, all derived from the upper Albian Toolebuc Formation, are distinct from <i>Ferrodraco</i>. However, we are uncertain whether these specimens are attributable to <i>Mythunga camara</i>, <i>Aussiedraco molnari</i>, <i>Thapunngaka shawi</i>, or an as yet un-named taxon. Detailed description of the postcranial material of <i>Ferrodraco</i> also provides an opportunity to reassess its phylogenetic position. In one analysis, <i>Ferrodraco</i> and <i>Mythunga</i> are resolved as sister taxa within Tropeognathinae, whereas in another, <i>Ferrodraco</i>, <i>Mythunga</i>, and <i>Tropeognathus</i> form a polytomy within Coloborhynchinae. Either way, these slight differences notwithstanding, a close relationship between <i>Ferrodraco</i> and <i>Mythunga</i> is evident, supporting the interpretation that they form a clade. By contrast, <i>Aussiedraco molnari</i> is resolved as a member of Targaryendraconia, a clade with a cosmopolitan distribution. The presence of several anhanguerian taxa or lineages in the late Early and early Late Cretaceous of northeast Australia is suggestive of even greater diversity in the Australian pterosaur fauna.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19519387
title: Postcrania and paleobiology of <i>Patriofelis ulta</i> (Mammalia, Oxyaenodonta) of the Bridgerian (lower–middle Eocene) of North America

description: Oxyaenodonta is one of several groups of early carnivorous placental mammals that are now extinct. <i>Patriofelis</i> is a genus of Bridgerian oxyaenodont, one of the last known from North America. We describe two partial skeletons of <i>Patriofelis ulta</i> to reevaluate hypotheses about the locomotion of <i>Patriofelis</i>. <i>Patriofelis ulta</i> had short limbs relative to a longer body, similar in proportion to other oxyaenodonts. The forelimb shows a wide capitulum of the humerus, indicative of the ability to pronate and supinate the hand. Likewise, the hindlimb shows features associated with flexibility such as a shallow acetabulum, and shallowly grooved astragulus. In contrast, the lumbar vertebrae are inflexible with interlocking zygapophyses. We performed a 2D geometric morphometric analysis of lumbar vertebrae from modern mammals and <i>P. ulta</i> to identify a close functional match. We found that while the lumbar shape in anterior view of <i>P. ulta</i> fell closest to carnivorans, the interlocking zygapophyses matched most closely to modern artiodactyls. We confirmed the occurrence of interlocking zygapophyses in other oxyaenodonts, as well as hyaenodonts and mesonychids, and infer that this is a plesiomorphic feature. Based on this information, we rule out the previously proposed semiaquatic hypothesis for locomotion, as well as the scansorial hypothesis based on the large size of <i>P. ulta</i>. We interpret <i>P. ulta</i>, one of the largest carnivores in its ecosystem, as an ambush predator capable of grappling prey with its flexible forearms.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20200057.v1
title: Archosauriform remains from the Lower Triassic Sanga do Cabral Formation of Brazil

description: Early Triassic archosauriform remains are often related to the Proterosuchidae and the Erythrosuchidae, common stem-archosaurs in the aftermath of the end-Permian extinction event. South American proterosuchid remains are rare, with only a few specimens from the Lower Triassic Sanga do Cabral Formation briefly mentioned in literature. The Lower Triassic Sanga do Cabral Formation has a growing fossil record, thus far composed of procolophonids, temnospondyls, and early-branching archosauromorphs. In this work, new materials referred to cf. <i>Chasmatosuchus</i> and cf. <i>Proterosuchus</i> (Archosauriformes) are described, representing the first conclusive archosauriform records from the Lower Triassic of Brazil. Proterosuchids are among the stratigraphically oldest Archosauriformes, with their earliest unambiguous occurrences coming from the uppermost Permian of Russia. This clade is widely spread among well-explored Lower Triassic formations, flourishing during the recovery phase from the end-Permian mass extinction. The presence of non-archosaurian archosauriforms in southwestern Gondwana reinforces the rapid diversification of archosauromorphs during the Early Triassic. The Sanga do Cabral Formation fossil assemblage is becoming important for understanding how the initial adaptive radiation of archosauromorphs took place.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19207549
title: A new hypothesis of eudromaeosaurian evolution: CT scans assist in testing and constructing morphological characters

description: Eudromaeosauria is a clade of derived dromaeosaurids that typifies the common perception of ‘raptor’ dinosaurs. The evolutionary history of this clade has been controversial due to conflicting views of taxonomic identity, and because, due to taphonomic bias, several species were diagnosed primarily or solely by the maxilla. The maxilla is therefore crucial in understanding the phylogenetic relationships within the clade. Morphometric characterization has been commonly applied to recognize and distinguish major dromaeosaurid clades. However, morphometrics mainly showed morphological convergence rather than phylogenetic relationships. This approach has made it difficult to get resolution of phylogenetic relationships among eudromaeosaurian taxa, often resulting in large polytomies or inconsistent placement of key species. To test previous character statements, computed tomography was used to analyze the maxillae of <i>Acheroraptor</i>, <i>Atrociraptor</i>, and <i>Deinonychus</i>, and compare them with other eudromaeosaurians from Asia and North America. Morphometric characters were examined, and regressions were used to look for allometric trends in maxillary dimensions and the relationship to topological landmarks within Eudromaeosauria and its outgroups. Characters were improved and implemented to better capture eudromaeosaurian morphological variation and better resolve their phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic analysis recovered three well-defined clades within Eudromaeosauria and corroborated occurrence data within the fossil record. <i>Acheroraptor</i> and <i>Atrociraptor</i> were recovered as derived members of Saurornitholestinae. <i>Deinonychus</i> is recovered as a basal eudromaeosaurian, sharing features with dromaeosaurines and saurornitholestines. These results challenge previous biogeographic hypotheses suggesting Asian and North American faunal interchange during the Late Cretaceous and support convergence of traits relating to snout dimensions and proportions.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19519387.v1
title: Postcrania and paleobiology of <i>Patriofelis ulta</i> (Mammalia, Oxyaenodonta) of the Bridgerian (lower-middle Eocene) of North America

description: Oxyaenodonta is one of several groups of early carnivorous placental mammals that are now extinct. <i>Patriofelis</i> is a genus of Bridgerian oxyaenodont, one of the last known from North America. We describe two partial skeletons of <i>Patriofelis ulta</i> to reevaluate hypotheses about the locomotion of <i>Patriofelis</i>. <i>Patriofelis ulta</i> had short limbs relative to a longer body, similar in proportion to other oxyaenodonts. The forelimb shows a wide capitulum of the humerus, indicative of the ability to pronate and supinate the hand. Likewise, the hindlimb shows features associated with flexibility such as a shallow acetabulum, and shallowly grooved astragulus. In contrast, the lumbar vertebrae are inflexible with interlocking zygapophyses. We performed a 2D geometric morphometric analysis of lumbar vertebrae from modern mammals and <i>P. ulta</i> to identify a close functional match. We found that while the lumbar shape in anterior view of <i>P. ulta</i> fell closest to carnivorans, the interlocking zygapophyses matched most closely to modern artiodactyls. We confirmed the occurrence of interlocking zygapophyses in other oxyaenodonts, as well as hyaenodonts and mesonychids, and infer that this is a plesiomorphic feature. Based on this information, we rule out the previously proposed semiaquatic hypothesis for locomotion, as well as the scansorial hypothesis based on the large size of <i>P. ulta</i>. We interpret <i>P. ulta</i>, one of the largest carnivores in its ecosystem, as an ambush predator capable of grappling prey with its flexible forearms.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19699802
title: A find from the Ladakh Himalaya reveals a survival of madtsoiid snakes (Serpentes, Madtsoiidae) in India through the late Oligocene

description: A find from the Ladakh Himalaya reveals a survival of madtsoiid snakes (Serpentes, Madtsoiidae) in India through the late Oligocene
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19699802.v1
title: A find from the Ladakh Himalaya reveals a survival of madtsoiid snakes (Serpentes, Madtsoiidae) in India through the late Oligocene

description: A find from the Ladakh Himalaya reveals a survival of madtsoiid snakes (Serpentes, Madtsoiidae) in India through the late Oligocene
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19299897
title: Allometric analysis sheds light on the systematics and ontogeny of anurognathid pterosaurs

description: Anurognathids are a clade of non-pterodactyloid pterosaurs with generally conservative morphology, but specializations as insectivores. They are represented by a disparate collection of adult and juvenile specimens that range in wingspan from ∼0.24–1 m. There have been concerns about the extent to which ontogenetic variation might affect phylogenetic inference, and indeed how aspects of their ontogeny might relate to the distinctive anurognathid adult morphology. Here we perform allometric analysis on 23 key skeletal dimensions in 13 anurognathid specimens. Our results show that all anurognathids share a common growth trajectory in most dimensions, and that ontogeny affects variation in a minority of characters commonly used in phylogenetic analysis. Excluding these ontogeny-related characters, a new taxon, <i>Cascocauda rong</i> gen. et sp. nov., is established. Based on the ontogenetically corrected dataset, our phylogenetic analysis supports Anurognathidae as the sister-group of Breviquartossa and reveals a general trend of tail reduction in the clade. Allometric growth suggests the anurognathid lifestyle remained consistent throughout ontogeny, maintaining a highly maneuverable flight style by near-isometric development in the wing, small prey (i.e., insects), by strong negative allometry in the skull, and an arboreal habit by strong positive allometry in the claws. This specialized lifestyle suggests retention of plesiomorphic juvenile traits into later ontogeny and facilitated morphological stasis by stabilizing selection during over 40 million years of evolution in the group.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20267628
title: New fossils from the London Clay show that the Eocene Masillaraptoridae are stem group representatives of falcons (Aves, Falconiformes)

description: The Eocene taxon Masillaraptoridae includes long-legged, raptorial birds, the phylogenetic affinities of which are poorly resolved. Here, fossils from the London Clay of Walton-on-the-Naze (Essex, U.K.) are described, which corroborate the hypothesis that masillaraptorids are stem group representatives of the Falconiformes (falcons). Two partial skeletons are assigned to a new genus and species, <i>Danielsraptor phorusrhacoides</i>, gen. et sp. nov., whereas a smaller species closely resembles <i>Masillaraptor parvunguis</i> from the German fossil site Messel. The new fossils show previously unrecognized derived characters shared by masillaraptorids and falconiform birds, and a phylogenetic analysis also supported a sister group relationship between the Masillaraptoridae and the Falconiformes. By contrast, the long and deep beak of masillaraptorids is remarkably similar to that of the cariamiform Phorusrhacidae and the tarsometatarsus also shows a resemblance to that of some Cariamiformes. The similarities between masillaraptorids and the Cariamiformes are notable, because most sequence-based analyses show the Falconiformes and Cariamiformes to be closely related, and a few studies even suggest a sister group relationship between both taxa. These similarities may be plesiomorphic for a more inclusive clade containing falconiforms and cariamiforms, but it is also possible that masillaraptorids represent a direct evolutionary link between the Falconiformes and Cariamiformes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20267628.v2
title: New fossils from the London Clay show that the Eocene Masillaraptoridae are stem group representatives of falcons (Aves, Falconiformes)

description: The Eocene taxon Masillaraptoridae includes long-legged, raptorial birds, the phylogenetic affinities of which are poorly resolved. Here, fossils from the London Clay of Walton-on-the-Naze (Essex, U.K.) are described, which corroborate the hypothesis that masillaraptorids are stem group representatives of the Falconiformes (falcons). Two partial skeletons are assigned to a new genus and species, <i>Danielsraptor phorusrhacoides</i>, gen. et sp. nov., whereas a smaller species closely resembles <i>Masillaraptor parvunguis</i> from the German fossil site Messel. The new fossils show previously unrecognized derived characters shared by masillaraptorids and falconiform birds, and a phylogenetic analysis also supported a sister group relationship between the Masillaraptoridae and the Falconiformes. By contrast, the long and deep beak of masillaraptorids is remarkably similar to that of the cariamiform Phorusrhacidae and the tarsometatarsus also shows a resemblance to that of some Cariamiformes. The similarities between masillaraptorids and the Cariamiformes are notable, because most sequence-based analyses show the Falconiformes and Cariamiformes to be closely related, and a few studies even suggest a sister group relationship between both taxa. These similarities may be plesiomorphic for a more inclusive clade containing falconiforms and cariamiforms, but it is also possible that masillaraptorids represent a direct evolutionary link between the Falconiformes and Cariamiformes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19345282
title: The eldest grandmother, late Miocene †<i>Jenynsia herbsti</i> sp. nov. (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes), and the early diversification of the Anablepidae

description: The Anablepidae are a family of mostly livebearing cyprinodontiform fishes with few living representatives, but an increasingly diverse fossil record. According to recent contributions, an important part of their evolution can be traced back to Miocene remains in Central and Northwestern Argentina. In this article we describe the oldest known fossil species of <i>Jenynsia</i>, the most diverse genus of the family, from upper Miocene lacustrine deposits in Catamarca, Argentina. The new taxon is herein described based on many specimens of both females and sexually dimorphic males and a phylogenetic hypothesis is provided. The new species was recovered as the sister group of the remaining taxa of the nominal subgenus <i>Jenynsia</i> in our final hypothesis. However, it was also recovered as forming a clade with the extinct †<i>Sachajenynsia pacha</i>, and this clade as sister group of the subgenus <i>Jenynsia</i>, under one of the explored analytical conditions. The evolutionary history of <i>Jenynsia</i> was related in the literature to marine transgressions and the species radiation was dated through evolutionary model-based methods. Our findings and interpretations challenge the mostly marine-driven diversification of <i>Jenynsia</i> and the new taxon is older than predicted by the published estimations. This study reinforces the hypothesis that sexual reproduction by means of internal fertilization was already well-established in the Miocene for anablepids.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.19345282.v1
title: The eldest grandmother, late Miocene †<i>Jenynsia herbsti</i> sp. nov. (Teleostei, Cyprinodontiformes), and the early diversification of the Anablepidae

description: The Anablepidae are a family of mostly livebearing cyprinodontiform fishes with few living representatives, but an increasingly diverse fossil record. According to recent contributions, an important part of their evolution can be traced back to Miocene remains in Central and Northwestern Argentina. In this article we describe the oldest known fossil species of <i>Jenynsia</i>, the most diverse genus of the family, from upper Miocene lacustrine deposits in Catamarca, Argentina. The new taxon is herein described based on many specimens of both females and sexually dimorphic males and a phylogenetic hypothesis is provided. The new species was recovered as the sister group of the remaining taxa of the nominal subgenus <i>Jenynsia</i> in our final hypothesis. However, it was also recovered as forming a clade with the extinct †<i>Sachajenynsia pacha</i>, and this clade as sister group of the subgenus <i>Jenynsia</i>, under one of the explored analytical conditions. The evolutionary history of <i>Jenynsia</i> was related in the literature to marine transgressions and the species radiation was dated through evolutionary model-based methods. Our findings and interpretations challenge the mostly marine-driven diversification of <i>Jenynsia</i> and the new taxon is older than predicted by the published estimations. This study reinforces the hypothesis that sexual reproduction by means of internal fertilization was already well-established in the Miocene for anablepids.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20231278
title: Reappraisal of the late Miocene elasmotheriine <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i> from Kutschwan (Shanxi Province, China) and its phylogenetic relationships

description: Elasmotheres, such as the huge Siberian unicorn (<i>Elasmotherium sibiricum</i>), are amongst the most iconic large mammals ever to roam Eurasia. Several different elasmotheriine taxa are also known from the upper Miocene of Asia, including the large genus <i>Parelasmotherium</i>. Herein we present the re-examination of the holotype of its type species <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i>, using high resolution X-ray computed tomography. The µCT analysis reveals thus far unknown morphological features of the M1 and the unerupted P4 and M2, thereby adding to our knowledge about this species. This allows comparisons with other species that have been referred to <i>Parelasmotherium</i>, ‘<i>Parelasmotherium</i>’ <i>simplum</i> and ‘<i>Parelasmotherium</i>’ <i>linxiaense</i>, which, according to the results of the phylogenetic analysis, should not be included in the same genus as <i>P. schansiense</i>. Furthermore, based on comparisons to other Miocene elasmotheriines the diagnosis of <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i> was amended and its phylogenetic position was assessed. <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i> is placed in a monophyletic group of ‘derived elasmotheriines,’ which also includes the genera <i>Elasmotherium</i>, <i>Sinotherium</i>, and <i>Ninxiatherium</i>.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20231278.v1
title: Reappraisal of the late Miocene elasmotheriine <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i> from Kutschwan (Shanxi Province, China) and its phylogenetic relationships

description: Elasmotheres, such as the huge Siberian unicorn (<i>Elasmotherium sibiricum</i>), are amongst the most iconic large mammals ever to roam Eurasia. Several different elasmotheriine taxa are also known from the upper Miocene of Asia, including the large genus <i>Parelasmotherium</i>. Herein we present the re-examination of the holotype of its type species <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i>, using high resolution X-ray computed tomography. The µCT analysis reveals thus far unknown morphological features of the M1 and the unerupted P4 and M2, thereby adding to our knowledge about this species. This allows comparisons with other species that have been referred to <i>Parelasmotherium</i>, ‘<i>Parelasmotherium</i>’ <i>simplum</i> and ‘<i>Parelasmotherium</i>’ <i>linxiaense</i>, which, according to the results of the phylogenetic analysis, should not be included in the same genus as <i>P. schansiense</i>. Furthermore, based on comparisons to other Miocene elasmotheriines the diagnosis of <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i> was amended and its phylogenetic position was assessed. <i>Parelasmotherium schansiense</i> is placed in a monophyletic group of ‘derived elasmotheriines,’ which also includes the genera <i>Elasmotherium</i>, <i>Sinotherium</i>, and <i>Ninxiatherium</i>.