NEW CROCODYLIAN REMAINS FROM THE SOLIMOES FORMATION (LOWER EOCENE-PLIOCENE), STATE OF ACRE, SOUTHWESTERN BRAZILIAN AMAZONIA

Author(s)

Souza, Rafael Gomes ; Cidade, Giovanne Mendes ; Campos, Diogenes de Almeida ; Riff, Douglas

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista Brasileira de Paleontologia; v. 19, n. 2, p. 217-232, MAY-AUG 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 10

Abstract

The Solimoes Formation (lower Eocene-Pliocene), southwestern Brazilian Amazonia, is one of the most abundant deposits of reptiles from the Cenozoic of Brazil. Eight species of Crocodylia have been described from this formation, including taxa of all the three main extant clades: Gavialoidea (Gryposuchus and Hesperogavialis), Alligatoroidea (Caiman, Mourasuchus and Purussaurus) and Crocodyloidea (Charactosuchus). Here, we describe crocodylian fossil remains collected in 1974 by RadamBrasil Project. Specimens were described and identified to the possible lowermost systematic level. With the exception of the osteoderms, the associated postcranial elements were not identified. It is concluded that at least in one location there may have been co-occurrence of four different morphotypes (Gavialoidea indet., Purussaurus sp., Mourasuchus sp. and taxa of the Brevirostres Glade, but not pertaining to Purussaurus or Mourasuchus), suggesting that they could have been contemporaneous, with habitat and niche partitioning. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/04516-1 - Syatematic Revision of the Mourasuchus genus (Alligatoroidea, Caimaninae), one of the most peculiar crocodiles of the world
• Grantee: Giovanne Mendes Cidade
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master