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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

New cranial and postcranial elements ofMourasuchus(Alligatoroidea: Caimaninae) from the late Miocene of Venezuela and their palaeobiological implications

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Author(s):
Cidade, Giovanne M. [1, 2] ; Rincon, Ascanio D. [3] ; Solorzano, Andres [4]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Biol, Lab Estudos Paleobiol, Sorocaba, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, Lab Paleontol, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
[3] Inst Venezolano Invest Cient IVIC, Ctr Ecol, Lab Paleontol, Miranda - Venezuela
[4] Univ Concepcion, Fac Ciencias Quim, Programa Doctorado Ciencias Geol, Concepcion - Chile
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: HISTORICAL BIOLOGY; v. 33, n. 10, p. 2387-2399, OCT 3 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

A partial skeleton ofMourasuchus, one of the most peculiar crocodylians of all time, that includes cranial and postcranial elements recovered from the late Miocene bone-beds of the Urumaco Formation (northwestern Venezuela) is herein described. Based on the presence of tall squamosal eminences, we assigned it toMourasuchus arendsi. To provide an empirical assessment of the palaeobiological affinities ofMourasuchus, we performed estimations of the body mass and body length based on severalMourasuchusskull measurements, and an analysis of death roll capability. Our results indicate thatMourasuchuswas indeed a large crocodylian, with a body length bigger than 9 m and weighed more than 4 tons. We find thatMourasuchus arendsiwas incapable of executing the `death roll' as a feeding behaviour and as such was unable to predate giant mammals, which are relatively common in the Urumaco Formation. Finally, the specimen includes a slender humerus, which may indicate thatMourasuchushad weak forelimbs and would spend more time in the water. (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