recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Goedertius

Credit: ric.hi-ho.ne.jp

*Goedertius* is an extinct genus of river dolphin that lived in Oregon during the Early Cretaceous.

## Description

*Goedertius* is distinguished by a depression on the posterior region on the snout, smaller bones around the nasal opening, a wide opening located dorsally on the posterior segment of the rostrum and dorsal exposures on the cranial vortex.
Elkinsia

*Elkinsia* is an extinct seed-bearing plant that lived from the Late Devonian to the Eocene.

## Description

*Elkinsia* lived and flourished at the start of the Late Devonian to the Permian. During the Mesozoic, the individuals living was rapidly declining. Most of the *Elkinsia* plants had died by the Late Cretaceous, however some survived to the Eocene.

## References

* https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Elkinsia
* https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/seedplants/seedplantsfr.html
Futabasaurus (plesiosaur)

Before formal naming or identification, this organism was known as the following on this wiki:
**"Wellesisaurus"**

## Futabasaurus

Credit: Connor Ashbridge on the Wikimedia Commons.

## Statistics

### Diet

Piscivorous

*Futabasaurus* is an extinct genus of plesiosaur that lived in Japan during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

*Futabasaurus* differs from other plesiosaurs based on the following features: the nostrils and eye orbits are unusually far apart, the interclavicles and clavicles are fused and have a bent anterior edge, the humerus is long and the femora are slender with many prominent muscle scars.

## Classification

It was first going to be called "Wellesisaurus sudzuki", but the authors decided to alter the name before publication. Some skeletons in museums are labeled as this. It was also called Futaba-ryu, meaning "dragon of Futaba".

## Paleobiology

The remains show proof of scavenging or predatory behaviour in the sharks *Futabasaurus* lived with. The rocks *Futabasaurus* were found in often contain *Inoceramus* remains.

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futabasaurus
HCP5

Diagram showing how mesenchymal stem cells induce HCP5 in gastric cancer cells.

HCP5 (HLA Complex P5) is an extinct species of endogenous retrovirus that lived sometime in humanity's lineage.

## Description

HCP5 was once a virus that infected humans, but has since gone extinct and become a staple element in the human genome. When someone is infected with HIV, a variant of this "fossilized" genetic code appears to delay or resist the development of AIDS. This variation commonly occurs alongside the immune system gene HLA-B. HCP5 reportedly becomes upregulated after HPV, possibly promoting the development of cervical cancer.
Eusthenopteron

Credit: Nobu Tamura.

*Eusthenopteron* is an extinct genus of freshwater fish that lived in North America and Europe during the Late Devonian.

## Description

The earliest fossil evidence for bone marrow is from *Eusthenopteron*, which may have been the origin for marrow in all tetrapods. It shares many features with early tetrapods; a similar pattern of skull roofing (with *Ichthyostega* and *Acanthostega*), internal choana and labyrinthodont teeth (characterized by infolding enamel). These place it as an early tetrapod.

## Classification

Similar to other fish-like sarcopterygians, *Eusthenopteron* had a two-part skull, hinging at the mid length along an intracranial joint. This genus is notorious for the pattern of its fin endoskeleton, having a distinctive humerus, ulna and radius (forefin) and femur, tibia and fibula (pelvic fin). These had epiphyseal growth plates, allowing much longitudinal growth through endochondral ossification, similar to tetrapo long bones. These bones also occur in tetrapods, being a synapomorphy of a large tetrapod clade, possibly tetrapodomorpha. It's elasmoid scales lack superficial odontodes, who are composed of dentine and enamel. This may also be a synapomorphy of crownward tetrapodomorphs.

## Paleoecology

*Eusthenopteron* lived in Late Devonian North America and Europe. Scientists thought that the fish walk on its fins, but further research proved it was not capable of doing so.

This genus differs significantly from other, later, Carboniferous tetrapods - such as the absence of a larval stage and metamorphosis, which has either not been identified or was not present. The smallest Eusthenopteron (of the species E. foordi; 29 millimeters) have lepidotrichia that cover the fins, which is not seen until after metamorphosis in genera like *Polyodon*. It may have either developed directly, so that the hatchling had the adult's body plan.

## References

* Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life, p. 48
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusthenopteron
Fibla

This page is about a genus that contains extinct and extant species; species marked with † are extinct.

## Statistics

### Diet

Carnivorous

*Fibla* is a genus of snakefly that lived during the Eocene and Miocene in North America and Europe.

## Species

* †*F. erigena*
* †*F. exusta*
* †*F. (F.) carpenteri*
* †*F. (Reisserella) cerdanica*
* *F. hesperica*
* *F. maclachlani*
* *F. pasiphae*
* *F. peyerimhoffi*
Futabasaurus (dinosaur)

## Futabasaurus

Credit: M. Shiraishi.

Futabasaurus is a naked genus of tyrannosaurid dinosaur that lived in Japan during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

Futabasaurus is known from fossils of an indeterminate tyrannosaur remains, based upon a shin bone. The remains will need a new name upon discovery, because the name Futabasaurus has been claimed by a plesiosaur. Similarly to the plesiosaur, Futabasaurus was given the Japanese nickname Futaba-ryu.

## References

https://dinopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Futabasaurus\_(dinosaur)
Hopiichnus

*Hopiichnus* is an extinct ichnogenus of dinosaur that lived in North America and Europe during the Jurassic.

## Description

*Hopiichnus* was first thought to have been some sort of ornithiscian, but was later interpreted as a sort of ornithomimid track. *Hopiichnus* is likely a synonym of *Anomoepus*, meaning that the tracks were ornithiscian in affinity.

## References

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hopiichnus
* https://a-dinosaur-a-day.com/post/138741663195/hopiichnus
* http://projectos.cienciaviva.pt/pw011/jazidas/icnotaxa\_teropodes\_triassicofinal\_jurassicoinicial.html
Gavialimimus

Credit: Tatsuya Sinmura.

*Gavialimimus* is an extinct genus of mosasaur that lived in Morocco during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

*Gavialimimus* is known by several autapomorphies. Among them, is the elongated snout, retracted nares and very large supratemporal fenestrae. The genus was dubbed *"Platecarpus" ptychodon*, which is usually known from teeth and mandibles. Gavialimimus gives insights into mosasaur anatomy and evolution. The holotype is MHNM.KHG.1231, a partial skeleton from Oulad Abdoun Basin (Couche III, general) of Maastrichtian Phosphates Formation sandstone.

## Classification

Gavialimimus is recovered from a clade that also contains *Selmasaurus* and *Goronyosaurus*. The material belonging to Gavialimimus was attributed to *Platecarpus* as a placeholder, under the species name "*ptychodon*". The species name was recycled and the new genus *Gavialimimus* was given a knew binomial nomenclature; *Gavialimimus almaghribensis*. Tyler Greenfield once informally suggested that a mosasaur skull on Ebay might be *Gavialimimus*.

## Gallery

### *"Platecarpus" ptychodon*

Teeth from Eremiasaurus, "P." ptychodon and Prognathodon sp..
## References

* “A New Species of Longirostrine Plioplatecarpine Mosasaur (Squamata: Mosasauridae) from the Late Cretaceous of Morocco, with a Re-Evaluation of the Problematic Taxon 'Platecarpus' Ptychodon.” Taylor & Francis, www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14772019.2020.1818322?journalCode=tjsp20.
* https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon\_no=427352

1. ↑ https://twitter.com/TylerGreenfieId/status/1644147710004727809
Homalocephale

Credit: Jack Wood.

*Homalocephale* is an extinct genus of pachycephalosaur that lived in Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

Unlike other aduly pachycephalosaurs, the dome was very short. The skull was wedge-shaped, but was still considerably thickened on its surface. It also had wide hips, a trait animals have to help during the birthing process, possibly even for birthing live young (unlike other dinosaurs that lay eggs). Other paleontologists think that the wide pelvis protected vital organs during flank head-butting competitions. *Homalocephale* had very long legs, indicating a fast-moving lifestyle.

*Homalocephale* was originally described from an incomplete skull and postcranial material. The skull has large openings at its top, a distinct frontoparietal suture, a low and elongated infratemporal fenestrae and large, round orbits. The animals forehead is notably bumpy, bearing many nodules on the lateral and posterior of the squamosal bone. Though the suture is discernable and the skull is flat, plaeontologists conclude that the specimen was an adult. Studies proving that flat-headed pachycephalosaurs are juvenile counterparts of their adult forms. This makes scientists now believe that *Homalocephale* may have been a juvenile *Prenocephale*.

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homalocephale
Erketu

*Erketu* is an extinct genus of sauropod that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

It's neck is estimated to have been twice as long as it's body, having the longest neck/body ratio. Scientists estimate that the neck was around 28 feet (8 meters) long. *Erketu* preserved unusual traits in titanosaurs, including the axis, atlas and the C3 to the C9.

The sternum is thickened at several borders, and has a very deep lateral edge. The right hindlimb bones are articulated, resembling the hindlimbs of *Gobititan*. The tibia is exceptionally straight, and has slightly expanded ends. When compared with *Opisthocoelicaudia*, the anterior and distal extensions are not well developed. The fibula is larger that the tibia, but appears to have been damaged at the distal end of one trochanter.

## Notable Specimens

* IGM 100/1803: The holotype preserving much of the neck, body, ribcage/sternum, hips, tail and limbs. The holotype presents exceptional preservation, preserving features like the atlas and axis that barely fossilize.

## Paleoecology

*Erketu* is known from the Bayan Shireh Formation during the Late Cretaceous. The ecosystem is thought to have been dominated by lacrustine and fluvial environments, like a semi-arid climate and lakes. Erketu lived alongside *Achillobator*, possibly *Alectrosaurus*, *Gobihadros*, *Talarurus*, *Tsagantegia*, *Erlikosaurus* and *Segnosaurus*. *Erketu* was likely a high browser.

## References

DK Pocket Genius: Dinosaurs, Facts at Your Fingertips, page 142

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erketu
Hornby Island Azhdarchid

Credit: Joschua Knuppe.

The Hornby Island Azhdarchid is an unnamed genus of azhdarchid pterosaur that lived on Hornby Island (Vancouver) during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

The Hornby Island azhdarchid is known from three fused vertebrae, fragments and a humerus. Though it is incomplete, the Hornby Island azhdarchid was closely related to *Hatzegopteryx* and *Quetzalcoatlus*. The Hornby Island azhdarchid may have been a juvenile, but nothing is confirmed. It was the first pterosaur found from the Nanaimo Group, featuring typical achdarchoid traits, which supports the theory that this group was dominant in the Late Cretaceous (which is disputed, since the lack of smaller pterosaurs may be preservation bias). The individual represented was approaching maturity at death, having a substantial wingspan of 1.5 meters. Large pterosaurs like this are very rare for this time, since smaller pterosaurs began to go extinct and pterosaur diversity reduced.

## References

* https://www.pteros.com/pterosaurs/hornby-island-azhdarchid.html
* https://novataxa.blogspot.com/2016/08/hornby-azhdarchoid.html?m=1
* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27853614/
* https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307552518\_A\_small\_azhdarchoid\_pterosaur\_from\_the\_latest\_Cretaceous\_the\_age\_of\_flying\_giants
Eohiodon

*Eohiodon* is an extinct genus of hiodontid that lived in North America from the Paleocene to the Eocene.

## Description

*Eohiodon* is differentiated from similar fish by these via: a hyomandibular bone with equal dorsal parts, 22-24 precaudal vertebral centra and 23-26 caudal vertebral centra; 44-50 vertebral centra, 11-15 principal dorsal fin rays, dorsally placed pterygiophores including the dorsal and proximal radials, having 13-17, 14-24 principal anal in rays and 16-25 anal pterygiphores, which includes the proximal radials It was once synonymized with *Hiodon falcatus*, but further analysis shows that it is stand-alone.

## References

* http://tolweb.org/Eohiodon/15138
* https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon\_no=256138
Houcaris

A fossil radiodont assigned Anomalocaris saron (syn. Houcaris saron).

*Houcaris* is an extinct genus of Tamisiocaridid that lived in China during the Early/Middle Cambrian.

## Description

*Houcaris* was named *Anomalocaris saron* by Hou, Bergström and Ahlberg in 1995, renamed *Houcaris saron* in 2021. Microcomputed tomography shows that the fossil once assumed Anomalocaridid in origin was actually Tamisiocarididae in origin. The paired endites are longer than the associated podomeres and the distal auxiliary spines are furnished and slender. This is the first occurrence of Tamisiocarididae in South China, as well as the earliest in the fossil record, dating to Cambrian Stage 3. This group is restricted to Cambrian Stage 2, spanning Laurentia and southern Gondwana within the tropics/subtropics belt. This shows that climate may have controlled species like *Houcaris*.

## Paleoecology

*Houcaris* preferred shallow waters with an oxygenated floor.

## References

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12542-020-00545-4
Graciliceratops

Credit: PaleoNeolitic on the Wikimedia Commons.

*Graciliceratops* is an extinct genus of small neoceratopsian dinosaur that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

*Graciliceratops* was a small neoceratopsian, with a skull only 20 centimeters long during it's juvenile stages and an estimated mature size of 2 meters. The holotype, ZPAL MgD-I/156, is immature , being only 1 meter long and 2.27-9.1 kilograms. The large frill fenestrae are bordered by thin struts, which makes a fragile frill similar to *Protoceratops*. It is known from Sheeregreen Gashoon from the Bayan Shireh Formation. THe holotype was discovered in 1971 during the Polish-Mongolian Paleontological Expedition.

## Classification

Much of the material once assigned to *Microceratus* has been reallocated to *Graciliceratops*, making the former possibly dubious.

## Paleoecology

Caliche, fluvial and lacustrine sediments from Bayan Shireh suggest the environments had rivers and large lakes. It was contemporaneous with *Achillobator*, *Alectrosaurus*, *Erlikosaurus*, *Segnosaurus*, *Amtocephale*, *Talarurus*, *Tsagantegia*, *Erketu*, *Gobihadros*, azhdarchids, *Paralligator*, *Lindholmemys* and *Hybodus*.

## References

* https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/graciliceratops.html
* https://dinosaurpictures.org/Graciliceratops-pictures
* https://www.mindat.org/taxon-P67674.html
* https://dinodata.de/animals/dinosaurs/pages\_g/graciliceratops.php
* https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-paleontology/article/abs/two-ornithischian-dinosaurs-renamed-microceratops-bohlin-1953-and-diceratops-lull-1905/44EC639EFD439F8B7C85B9046154B657
* https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/paulsereno/i/docs/00-Marginocephalia.pdf
* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4262212/
* https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0195667191900155
* https://digitallibrary.amnh.org/bitstream/handle/2246/5783/N3508.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
* https://www.academia.edu/1229640
* https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ter.12456
* https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/paulsereno/i/docs/00-Marginocephalia.pdf
Ennatosaurus

*Ennatosaurus* is an extinct genus of caseid synapsid that lived in Russia during the Middle Permian.

## Description

*Ennatosaurus* may have been an aquatic herbivore that used it's front feet as paddles. It's head is small and it had a large wide reptilian body, like all Caseidae. *Ennatosaurus* has blunt peg-like teeth. *Ennatosaurus* is contemporaneous with *Nyctiphruretus* and *Biarmosuchus*. Adult *Ennatosaurus* may have rivaled the related *Cotylorhynchus*, which measured up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) in length, but their true size is unknown. Most reported material are juveniles, who are discovered at a single fossil site, For example, one site includes many juveniles buried in sand, with one adult skull among them.

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ennatosaurus
Eophalangium

*Eophalangium* is an extinct genus of opiliones that lived in Scotland during the Early Devonian.

## Description

The type *E. sheari* was erected by Dunlop et al. in 2004 based on a Pragian-dated holotype female that was recovered from Rhynie cherts, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was originally classified as Eupnoi incertae sedis, but was re-placed into Tetrophthalmi by Garwood et al. in 2014. It has yet to be assigned a family. It is the oldest known harvestman and has the oldest known terrestrial genitalia[*citation needed*].

## References

https://opiliones.fandom.com/wiki/Eophalangium
Eocaiman

*Eocaiman* is an extinct genus of caiman that lived in Argentina, Colombia and Brazil from from the Early Paleocene to the Late Miocene.

## Classification

The three species (of the Salamanca and Sarmiento Formations of Argentina, Honda Group of Colombia and the Brazilian Itaboraí Formation) are typically recovered nearer to the bottom of Caimaninae.
Elektrithone

*Elektrithone* is an extinct genus or lacewing moth that lived in Europe during the Eocene.

## Description

*Elektrithone* is only known from a forewing found in Baltic mines. *Elektrithone* is a mix of traits of other ithonids. The wings seems to be primitive compared to other lacewinged moths.

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elektrithone
Facivermis

Credit: Franz Anthony.

*Facivermis* is an extinct genus of sessile lobopod that lived in China during the Early Cambrian.

## Description

*Facivermis* are distinctly worm-like creatures that could up to 90 millimeters long, with a body divided into three sections. The anterior segment has five pairs of limbs equal in length with two setal rows along the margins. The mid segment is elongate and is five times longer than the anterior or posterior. The posterior is shaped like a pear and has three rows of hooks surrounding the anus.

## Classification

When first published, *Facivermis* was classified as a polychaete worm. Additionally, a classification in pentastomida was also proposed, but is unlikely. Liu et al. compare *Facivermis* with *Miraluolishania*, noting the pear-shaped posterior is similar to the proboscis in priapulids, if the posterior was in fact the anterior. The remains of possible priapulid *"Xishania" longiusula* closely resembles the posterior of *Facivermis*, leading Huang et al. to reassign the remains to to a new name; Facivermis longiusula. In 2020, new specimens were reported from fossilized tubes, showing researchers that the animal was a sessile tube worm-like luolishanid with a bulbous posterior.

## Paleoecology

*Facivermis* was originally envisioned as an ambush predator that hooked itself into sediment with it's hooked posterior. One fossil possibly has a preserved bradoriid in it's digestive tract. However, new research suggests *Facivermis* lived more like feather duster worms that hooked into the sediment.
Hell Creek pterandontian

Credit: Triebold Paleontology Inc..

The Hell Creek pteranodontian is an indeterminate genus of pteranodontian pterosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

The Hell Creek pteranodont is known from a specimen found in 2010. The delicate specimen was reconstructed by Triebold Paleontology Inc., being one of the few pterosaurs from Hell Creek aside from an azhdarchid. It was found in South Dakota.

## Gallery

**Credit: Triebold Paleontology Inc..****Credit: Triebold Paleontology Inc..**
## References

* https://www.trieboldpaleontology.com/pterosaurs/new-hell-creek-pterosaur
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleobiota\_of\_the\_Hell\_Creek\_Formation#Pterosaurs
Glyptoxoceras

Credit: Jose Miguel Lorente.

*Glyptoxoceras* is an extinct genus of ammonite that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

*Glyptoxoceras* has a unique coiled shell, which curves above the cephalopods head, and coils into a small bulbous ending.

## References

https://twitter.com/PaleoCameron/status/1322156099483684867
Fujianvenator

Reconstruction of Fujianvenator. Credit: Chuang Zhao.

Fujianvenator is a species and genus of avialan eumaniraptoran from China; fujian province; nanyuan formation. It has live throughout the Late Jurassic Period.

## Description

This particular theropod has noted for its exceptionally avian-esque anatomy; especially elongated legs. The theropod even noted to have highly developed claws and arms that are even capable of firmly grasping an object. Its exact ecology and role within its very ecosystem remains vague and unclear. Whether it was active Scavenger and/or Predator; or had a wading role more similar to herons, storks; petrels and skuas; It has not been determined clearly. Its plumage and feather structure are also noted for being highly similar to avians. Although, it was a relatively small animal compared to others within its habitat.

## Sources

* https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06513-7
* https://www.sciencenews.org/article/new-bird-dinosaur-long-legs-fossil
* https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/discovery-of-this-new-fossil-could-reshape-bird-evolution-theories/articleshow/103581813.cms?from=mdr
* https://www.sci.news/paleontology/fujianvenator-prodigiosus-12246.html
* https://a-z-animals.com/blog/recently-discovered-bird-like-dinosaur-throws-scientists-a-curveball/
* https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/unusual-bird-like-dinosaur-discovered-in-china/7263773.html
* http://novataxa.blogspot.com/2023/09/fujianvenator.html
* https://www.wionews.com/science/fujianvenator-bizarre-long-legged-bird-like-dinosaur-discovered-in-china-633461
* https://www.reuters.com/science/bizarre-long-legged-bird-like-dinosaur-has-scientists-enthralled-2023-09-06/
Gigarcanum

The only known Specimen. Credit: A. Bauer

Gigarcanum delcourti is a species and genus of Gigantic Geckos. It existed within The Holocene period; contemporary period; 19th century.

## Description

This species is infamous by a collected specimen referred to as '' Delcourt’s Giant Gecko ''. DNA from this rather unique specimen reveals that the colossal lizard belongs to a group of New Caledonian diplodactylid geckos, researchers report June 19 in Scientific Reports. Geckos in this lineage repeatedly evolved extreme body sizes on the archipelago east of Australia. Previously dubbed Hoplodactylus delcourti, the gecko was renamed Gigarcanum delcourti in the new study, placing the animal in its own genus whose name quite literally means giant mystery.

Compared to all other geckos, it’s monstrous,” says Matthew Heinicke, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. “It happens to be in a lineage where evolution of gigantism wasn’t a one-off event.” This animal is presumed as a nocturnal hunter, basing on its rather enlarged eye sockets.

The G. delcourti was big enough to prey on birds and lizards, including other geckos. Its toe pads and long claws suggest it lived in trees, though it was probably the maximum size at which a gecko could still adhere to vertical surfaces with its hallmark sticky grip. The cause of this animal's extinction is unknown.

## Sources

* https://www.sciencenews.org/article/dna-origin-giant-mystery-gecko
* https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-35210-8
* https://press-herald.com/lsus-faculty-co-authors-research-that-reclassifies-worlds-largest-known-gecko/
Hippocampus sarmaticus

H. sarmaticus (larger) compared with H. slovenicus (smaller). Credit: Avancna.

*Hippocampus sarmaticus* is an extinct species that lived in Slovenia during the Middle Miocene.

## Description

*Hippocampus sarmaticus* lived in Slovenia during the Middle Miocene, the Lower Sarmatian 13 million years ago. *H. sarmaticus* was one of the earlier known extinct seahorses. One female individual was discovered, with full bony plates and other small features. Most of the other specimens are subfossils or juveniles and parts of adults. The animal lived in the shallow part of the Paratethys, living in sea grass and microalgae in the coastal waters. It is one of the coprolitic horizon Tunjice hills Lagerstätten taxa, discovered in 2005 and named by Žalohar, Hiti and Križnar in 2009.

## References

1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocampus\_sarmaticus
Helarctos sinomalayanus

Helarctos Sinomalayanus, commonly known as the Pleistocene Sun Bear, is an extinct bear that lived during the Pleistocene, from 2.58 MYA-11,700 BC. Helarctos Sinomalayanus was probably twice the size of Helarctos Malayanus, most likely weighing 300 LBS.

## Statistics

### Synonyms

Helarctos Malayanus SinomalayanusUrsus Sinomalayanus

### Diet

Possibly a frutavore or insectivore (yes frutavore is a real word)
Glyptodon

Credit: R.J. Palmer.

*Glyptodon* is an extinct genus of heavily armored armadillo relative that lived Pleistocene Epoch.

## History

*Glyptodon* is known by its name meaning "grooved" or "carved tooth". The suffix don means "tooth"

## Description

*Glyptodon* was adorned by one large, rounded shell, a furry underside and a plated tail.

## Paleoecology

*Glyptodon* and its cousins were likely hunted by early humans, and grazed the open plains in search of low shrubs, and grass. *Glyptodon* used its rounded shell to hide from hungry predators.
Eoptolamna

*Eoptolamna* is an extinct genus of mackerel shark that lived in Europe during the Cretaceous.

## Description

*E. eccentrolopha* is known from the Barremian to the Albian Lower Cretaceous in the Artoles Formation of Spain. *E. suprecretacea* is known from the Lower Santonian to the Middle Campanian Latest Cretaceous of the Anglo-Parisian basin.
Guaibasaurus

*Guaibasaurus* is an extinct genus of guaibasaurid sauropodomorph that lived in Brazil during the Late Triassic.

## History

The holotype, a well-preserved postcranium MCN PV2355, and the paratype, an articulate and nearly-complete left hindlimb MCN PV2356, were found in the Sesmaria do Pinhal 2 locality near Candelária, Brazil. in the Caturrita Formation, upper Candelária Sequence. In addition, UFRGS PV0725T (an articulate, nearly complete postcrania without one forelimb, the feet and neck) and MCN PV 10112 (an, at the time, not-fully-prepared block with articulate parts and isolate elements, such as a partial hand) were referred from the Linha São Luiz locality of the same formation. These two areas are from the lower formation or the uppermost Santa Maria 2 Sequence, being of the early Norian (~225/42 million years using U-Pb dating) age. UFRGS PV0725T is a set of articulate hindlimbs that are tucked beneath the body and have the forelimbs flexed out to the side. Though most of the neck is not present, the vertebral series near the base of the neck are found and curve to the left. The specimen is similar to the resting position in birds, advanced maniraptors and dinosauriforms such as *Saltopus*. It may have rested here like birds to conserve heat. It was named by Bonaparte, Ferigolo and Ribeiro (1999), and named after the Rio Guaíba hydrographic basin and Prό-Guaíba Project, which funded research. The specific name is after the neighbouring city of Candelária.

## Classification

Bonaparte et al. (1999) found it to be a basal theropod and created the family Guaibasauridae. In 2007, they found *Saturnalia* to be resemblant, and placed it into their novel family as plesiomorphous saurischians. Bonaparte suggested that they may have been prosauropods, but were closer in morphology to theropods. Recent cladistics suggests that it may have been a basal theropod, but members of Guaibasauridae are generally considered to be basal sauropodomorphs, and this genus itself plots close to unaysaurids. This may suggest synonymy, with Guaibasauridae taking priority. The description of *Erythrovenator* agreed with this proposal.

## References

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guaibasaurus
Fabrosaurus

Credit: Cisiopurple on DeviantArt.

*Fabrosaurus* is a dubious genus of basal ornithischian (prev. "Fabrosauridae") that lived in Lesotho during the Early Jurassic.

## Description

*Fabrosaurus* was named by Leonard Ginsberg in 1964 based on a partial mandible with three teeth. He named the fossil after Jean Fabre, a geologist who went with Ginsberg to Lesotho's (prev. Basutoland) Upper Elliot Formation. The full name, *Fabrosaurus australis*, means "Jean Fabre's southern lizard", *australis* (southern) chosen due to modern Lesotho being located in South Africa.

Later, crushed cranial and postcrania helped to reconstruct the full animal with more accuracy, including vertebrae, ribs and limbs. As more ornithiscian fossils were unearthed, the features unique to *Fabrosaurus* were thought to have been shared among species, and from 1990-2000, the name "*Fabrosaurus*" was classed as a nomen dubium. They found Ginsberg's holotype was too insufficient to erect a new genus. Today, the remains of *Fabrosaurus* are thought to have been *Lesothosaurus* by some, others regard the remains as a variation of *Lesothosaurus*.

## References

* https://www.lexico.com/definition/Fabrosaurus
* Decouverte d’un Scelidosaurien (Dinosaure ornithischien) dans le Trias superieur du Basutoland, pages 2366-2368
* http://cdn.palass.org/publications/palaeontology/volume\_13/pdf/vol13\_part3\_pp414-432.pdf
* http://cdn.palass.org/publications/palaeontology/volume\_15/pdf/vol15\_part1\_pp29-60.pdf
* http://lesdinos.free.fr/St2005.pdf
Eoarthropleura

Credit: Joschua Knüppe.

*Eoarthropleura* is an extinct genus of millipede-like insects that lived in Europe and North America during the Late Silurian to the Late Devonian.

## Description

*Eoarthropleura* is one of the oldest terrestrial animal known in North America, as well as the first known member of Arthropleuridae. Fossils of *Eoarthropleura* consist mostly of cuticles. *Eoarthropleura* likely lived in swamps.

## Species

* *E. devonica*
* *E. hueberi*
* *E. ludfordensis*

## References

* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eoarthropleura

* http://www.frederik-spindler.de/paleo-art-scientific-illustration/published-stuff.html
Dromaeosaurus

Credit: Fred Wierum.

*Dromaeosaurus* is an extinct genus of Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur that lived in North America during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

*Dromaeosaurus* had a robust and deep snout, and had nine large teeth in each maxilla. Unlike other dromaeosaurids, *Dromaeosaurus* had a vein at the back of its head, the vena capitis dorsalis, to drain blood from the muscles and run to the posterior segment of the brain. Some teeth attributed to *Dromaeosaurus* have been found in the Lance, Aguja and the Hell Creek Formation. The Meckelian groove in *Dromaeosaurus* is very shallow. *Dromaeosaurus*' jaws are filled with recurved sharp teeth and each foot has two curved sickle claws.

## Paleoecology

*Dromaeosaurus* was a likely pack hunter, in North America of the Late Cretaceous. *Dromaeosaurus* used its toe sickle to take down prey. *Dromaeosaurus* used its wings and tail for steering while running. Paleontologists thought *Dromaeosaurus* was a specialized runner, however modern studies contradict this: thinking that *Dromaeosaurus* was a short sprinter. *Dromaeosaurus* has heavier teeth than its relatives. *Dromaeosaurus* may have had a bite three times the force of *Velociraptor*, and used its sickle claw less.

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dromaeosaurus
Hell Creek ammonite

Shard of an ammonite shell (shiny, golden object in the center) found at Tanis.

The Hell Creek ammonite is a possibly unnamed genus of ammonite that lived in North Dakota during the Late Cretaceous.

## History

The ammonite shell was discovered by Robert DePalma and his team at the Tanis fossil site in the Hell Creek Formation, which they dig at for every summer since 2012. This taxon is represented by several golden "red-green" shell fragments. It is thought that these ammonites were endemic to the Western Interior Seaway, a saltwater body, and were washed into the freshwater of the Tanis shoreline by a tsunami up to a mile high caused by the Chicxulub impactor. These fragments were used by the team to support their hypothesis that Tanis preserves life within the last day of the Maastrichtian. Directly above the ammonoid layer sits the iridium-enriched K-PG boundary, an element that is common in asteroids.

## References

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17074544/?ref\_=ttco\_co\_tt
IVPP V969

Credit: CC Young.

IVPP V969 is an unnamed genus of Averostran with possible Neoceratosaurian affinities that lived in Shanxi, China during the Early Cretaceous.

## Description

IVPP V969 is known from a caudal vertebra, part of the ischia, tibia, and fibula, as well as metatarsal II and possibly pedal phalanx III-1. Carrano et al. (2012) noted that holes on the fibula were unlike Carnosaurs or Megalosaurs, but the m. iliofibularis tubercle was very similar to that of Neoceratosaurs.

## References

https://www.theropoddatabase.com/Ceratosauria.htm

http://www.ivpp.cas.cn/cbw/gjzdwxb/xbwzxz/201108/P020110805678903450950.pdf
Gadolosaurus

Gadolosaurus is a naked genus of hadrosauroid dinosaur that lived in Mongolia during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

Gadolosaurus was first mentioned by Tsunemasa Saito (1979) in a book. It was in a caption for a photo of a juvenile dinosaur skeleton. It is small, about 1 meter (39 inches) long and a juvenile. It was also a part in a Soviet exhibition in Japanese fossils. The name is a Japanese phonetic translation of the Cyrillic word gadrosavr, meaning "hadrosaur", never meant to be a a genus name. However, it has since been treated as such. For example, Donald F. Glut (1982) reported it was an iguanodont or hadrosaur, having no crest or boot on the ischium (a character of lambeosaurs), concluding it could be a named genus such as *Tanius* or *Shantungosaurus*. David Lambert (1983) classified it as an iguanodont, but changed his conclusion in 1990, listing it as a synonym of *Arstanosaurus*, lacking specification. David B. Norman and Hans-Dieter Sues (2000) mention, but do not name, an animal that may be Gadolosaurus. They state it is from the Soviet-Mongolian expeditions of the 1970s, listed as *Arstanosaurus* by the Russian Academy of Sciences, found in Cenomanian-aged Bayan Shireh Formation, Baishin Tsav sediments.

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_informally\_named\_dinosaurs
Fiona

Fiona is an unnamed genus of Ichthyosaur that lived in Chile during the Early Cretaceous.

## Description

The site was originally discovered by paleontologist Judith Pardo in the 2009 near the Tyndall Glacier in the Magallanes region of Chile. however, due to the inaccessibility of the site couldn't be collected at the time. In 2022, extraction of the fossil went underway. The specimen took scientists 31 days to extract and lift via helicopter to the Rio Seco Natural History Museum. Fiona is an adult specimen, measuring in at 13 feet long. Inside her abdominal cavity she preserves intact embryos. This is the first Icthyosaur known from this time to preserve embryos. "Pardo said that scientists also discovered 23 ichthyosaur specimens during the campaign, bringing the total up to almost 100 found in the Tyndall Glacier and making the region one of the most abundant and well-preserved ichthyosaur sites in the planet." Fiona was the only Ichthyosaur from the site that was excavated, the other 23 specimens were left at Tyndall Glacier.

## References

* https://theprint.in/scientifix/chiles-1st-full-ichthyosaur-fossil-earths-only-pregnant-female-found-from-129-139-mn-years-ago/955997/
* https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/intact-pregnant-ichthyosaur-fossil-recovered-patagonian-glacier-chile-2022-05-11/
* https://globe-today.com/science/2022/05/13ft-long-139m-year-old-complete-pregnant-ichthyosaur-fossil-is-found-in-chile-and-named-fiona/
Eretmorhipis

Credit: Gabuded.

*Eretmorhipis* is an extinct genus of hupehsuchian reptile that lived in China during the Early Triassic.

## Description

*Ertemorhipis* is known from two specimens, both discovered in an ecposed segment of the Jialingjiang Formation, Yuan'an County, Hubei, referred to the newly named genus and species *Eretmorhipis carrolldongi* by Chen et al. in 2015. The holotype, WGSC V26020, had been known since 1991, consisting of the entire skeleton, minus the cranial remains. The second specimen, IVPP V4070, is an impression of the right side of the back half of the animal, with the partial right fore limb. In 2018, two more specimens were recovered at the same locality, one of which, is almost complete and includes the skull.

*Eretmorhipis* is unique among hupehsuchians, having manual and pedal digits that radiate like a fan. The torso is elongated, encased in a bony tube formed from thick ribs and gastralia, similar but less extensive than in *Parahupehsuchus*.

## Classification

Chen et al. (2015) performed a phylogenetic analysis and found that it was one of the most derived hupehsuchians.

## References

* https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-37754-6
* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446317/
* https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Whole-views-of-the-two-specimens-of-Eretmorhipis-carrolldongi-gen-et-sp-nov-A-the\_fig7\_277411141
Fukui Spinosaurid

Credit: Palaeotaku.

The Fukui Spinosaurid is an indeterminate genus of spinosaurine that lived in Fukui, Japan during the Early Cretaceous.

## Description

This spinosaur is a new species of Spinosauridae described by scientists. The only known factor about this species is that it is a member of spinosaurinae, a subfamily within spinosauridae family. The theropod is very obscure . It was likely a generalist carnivore, like most spinosaurids.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350343224\_Spinosaurid\_teeth\_from\_the\_Lower\_Cretaceous\_Kitadani\_Formation\_of\_the\_Tetori\_Group\_Fukui\_Japan
Gigantophis

*Gigantophis* is an extinct genus of snake that lived in Africa during the Late Eocene.

## Description

*Gigantophis* is known mostly from vertebrae. It is roughly 10% larger than its largest extant ancestors, only second in overall size to *Titanoboa*, which claimed the place of largest snake after its discovery. In 2013, vertebrae similar to *Gigantophis* were found, of unknown affinities.

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gigantophis
Gnetopsis

*Gnetopsis* is an extinct genus of extinct seed plants that lived in France during the Carboniferous.

## Description

Fossils of *Gnetopsis* cupules are characterized by having more than one ovule within each cupule. Each ovule has two or more feathery extensions that may have aided in the plant gaining passing pollen for fertilization. The feathery extensions were surrounded by a fleshy wall, likely to protect the plant from other causes.

## References

* https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/668223?mobileUi=0
* https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/seedplants/lyginos.html
* https://paleobiodb.org/classic/basicTaxonInfo?taxon\_no=408889
Eugongbusaurus

Credit: Jack Wood.

"Eugongbusaurus" is a naked genus of ornithopod dinosaur that lived in China during the Middle Jurassic.

## Description

"Eugongbusaurus" was first known as *"Gongbusaurus" wucaiwanensis*, described by Dong Zhiming (1989) from two partial skeletons including a partial lower jaw, three tail vertebrae and a partial forelimb (IVPP 8302, the type) and two hip vertebrae, eight tail vertebrae and two complete hind limbs (IVPP 8303). It is likely a strong runner, and was assigned "Hypsilophodontidae". Since it could not hold a name, it was removed from the other classification, and a new name was leaked, "Eugongbusaurus".

## References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_informally\_named\_dinosaurs
El Picacho ceratopsian

The El Picacho ceratopsian is an unnamed genus of chasmosaurine dinosaur that lived in Texas during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

The El Picacho ceratopsian is represented by TMM 42304-1, the posterior portion of the braincase and occipital condyle, partial left and right squamosals, a fragmented parietal, partial coossified nasals, the proximal end of theright humerus, three near-complete dorsal ribs and many fragmented ribs. TMM 42535-1 is a nearly complete braincase, TMM 40814-3 is a disembodied occipital condyle and TMM 40814-6 is a massive epijugal. It is differentiated based on thick squamosals that bear undulations at the margin, nasals that lack a discrete horncore, a thin parietal and trihedral epijugals that are large. The braincase has walls that are very thick at the lateral and postfrontal foramen that are very developed.

## Paleoecology

The El Picacho ceratopsian lived with *Pentaceratops sternbergii*, *Chasmosaurus mariscalensis* and *Torosaurus utahensis* in the American southwest. All are chasmosaurines.
Hutchemys

Hutchemys walkerorum.

*Hutchemys* is an extinct genus of softshell turtle that lived in North Dakota during the Late Cretaceous.

## Classification

This genus is known from New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. Walter Joyce, Ariel Revan, Tyler Lyson and Igor Danilov (2009) named the type, *H. rememdium*. This was based on YPM PU 16795, nearly complete postcrania, as the holotype and YPM PU 16781 as referred from the Ekalaka Member, Fort Union Formation. YPM PU 14985 was referred from Cedar Point Quarry. *H. arctochelys* was the second species, named from YPM PU 16319, a nearly complete carapace and paratypes YPM PU 16320, YPM PU 16321, YPM PU 16322 and YPM PU 16238; these are all from the Tongue River Member, Fort Union Formation near Burns Mine. An unnamed species may be represented by UCMP 130000 from the Paleoceene Tullock Formation. *Aspideretes? nassau* YPM PU 11566 (Fort Union Formation, Duffy's Ranch of Sweet Grass County) was assigned to *H. sp.*. The taxa Plestomenoides lamberti and P. tetanetron and *Derrisemys sterea* were presented by the namesake, John Howard Hutchinson, as new genera but Hoyce and Lyson (2011) combined these specific names into *Hutchemys*. However, they noted that *P. lamberti* is based on a specimen of *H. rememdium*, and so the former was brought forth as a junior synonym. *H. tetanetron* was congeneric with *H. rememdium*, with *H. sterea* being the closest relative to *H. tetanetron*. *H. walkerorum* was named in 2022 from the Hell Creek Formation. Joyce and Lyson (2011) find the following for Plastomeninae:

## Species

* *H. arctochelys*
* *H. rememdium*
* *H. tetanetron*
* *H. sterea*
* *H. acupictus*
* *H. n.? sp. nassau*
* *H. walkerorum*

## Synonyms

* *Plastomenoides*
* *Derrisemys*
* *Plastomenus acupictus*
* *Aspideretes? nassau*
* *Paleotrionyx? nassau*
* *Trionyx nassau*
* “Plastomenine” type A

## Paleoecology

Hutchemys is a part of plastomenine trionychids, a subfamily known for a sutured, larger and more robust plastron. It lived during the Latest Cretaceous in the Maastrichtian, signifying how the K-PG mass extinct affected trionychids. At this time they were the most abundant, but the mass extinction caused only one species to persist into the Eocene.

## References

* https://www.cnet.com/science/this-ancient-turtle-survived-the-extinction-event-that-killed-t-rex/
* https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220311095330.htm
* https://phys.org/news/2022-03-newly-softshell-turtle-rex-triceratops.amp
* http://www.mrfdigs.com/publications/200910\_joyce-et-al.pdf
* http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/science/paleobios/abstracts\_26to.php
* https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-paleontology/article/abs/new-material-of-gilmoremys-lancensis-nov-comb-testudines-trionychidae-from-the-hell-creek-formation-and-the-diagnosis-of-plastomenid-turtles/4602685E86EF77D51D0F4CA3F818AA69
Gualicho

Credit: Jack Wood.

*Gualicho* is an extinct genus of theropod dinosaur that lived in Argentina during the Late Cretaceous.

## History

*Gualicho* is known from the Late Cenomanian-Early Turonian-aged Huincul Formation. MPCN PV 0001 is the holotype, a partial skeleton lacking crania with 4 dorsals, 3 mid-caudals, gastralia, the left shoulder girdle, the left forelimb, lower right arm, the end of the pubes, the right thighbone and a fragment of the lower left, the upper ends of the shin and calf bones, both metatarsi and 3 toes of the right foot. Most of these were still articulated but most were eroded.

*Gualicho* was once suggested to be synonymous with *Aoniraptor*, from the same formation, based on vertebral similarities. If true, *Gualicho* would take priority and MPCA-Pv 804/1 to 804/25 (the last sacral vertebra, six proximal caudal vertebrae, four mid-caudal vertebrae and five haemal arches) would be referred as the second specimen. A 2022 study suggests that it and *Deltadromeus* are basal ornithomosaurs that form a clade.

## Description

   *Gualicho* has reduced forelimbs with three fingers; it was once suggested only two were present, but a 2020 study suggests otherwise. If *Gualicho* were an allosauroid, this would indicate carnosaurs had similar limb reduction to tyrannosaurs and abelisaurs. *Gualicho* has an enigmatic classification, either being a megaraptoran or a neovenatorid. It was suggested either neovenatorids and megaraptorans were carnosaurs or that megaraptorans neovenatorids were closer related to coelurosaurs rather than carnosaurs.

## References

1. ↑ https://eartharchives.org/articles/gualicho-a-tyrannosaur-mimic-from-patagonia/index.html
2. ↑ https://www.efe.com/efe/english/technology/gualicho-unusual-carnivorous-dinosaur-from-patagonia-unveiled-in-argentina/50000267-2984871
3. ↑ http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/gualicho-shinyae-dinosaur-argentina-04026.html
4. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4943716/
5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27410683/
6. ↑ http://theropoda.blogspot.com/2016/07/nuovi-resti-di-aoniraptor-ehm-benvenuto.html
7. ↑ http://theropoddatabase.blogspot.com/2016/07/is-gualicho-aoniraptor.html
8. ↑ https://twitter.com/JamaleIjouiher/status/1544420813004328961/photo/1
9. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32088525/
10. ↑ https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/convergent-evolution-a-theropods-right-to-bear-silly-arms
Ellisdale Maniraptor

The Ellisdale Maniraptor in a unnamed genus of small Maniraptorian Dinosaur that lived in New Jersey during the Late Cretaceous.

## Description

The Ellisdale Maniraptor is known from a dentary, a partial braincase and some associated teeth. The braincase is well preserved and includes much of the osseus labyrinth. Features of the dentary may align with that of Microraptoria, although this assessment is tentative, and other features align with Dromeosaurids. It is only mentioned in the SVP 2021 abstracts, where it is found to be from the Campanian-aged Marshalltown Formation.

## References

* https://vertpaleo.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SVP\_2021\_VirtualBook\_final.pdf (69)
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellisdale\_Fossil\_Site