Article
Evolutionary Biology
Rainer R. Schoch
Summary: The Amphibamiformes, small temnospondyls from late Palaeozoic rocks, are increasingly considered to be the stem-group of some or all extant amphibians. Their relationships and evolutionary paths are still not fully understood due to the distinct groups of terrestrial and aquatic amphibamiforms.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Rainer R. Schoch, Ralf Werneburg
Summary: The Branchiosauridae, a group of extinct amphibians resembling larvae, have long been recognized as neotenics. However, adult specimens have only been found in one taxon previously known as Melanerpeton (Apateon) gracile. This study thoroughly examines the life cycle of Melanerpeton gracile, now classified as a new genus, Xerodromeus. The study identifies distinct characteristics of Xerodromeus gracilis at different stages of development and documents a metamorphosis-like transformation. Adult X. gracilis is larger and more robust than amphibamids, suggesting different feeding habits.
PAPERS IN PALAEONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bryan M. Gee
Summary: The phylogenetic relationships of most Paleozoic tetrapod clades remain unresolved, emphasizing the importance of evaluating dataset accuracy and correcting pervasive errors. The study of Dissorophidae highlights the significance of assessing dataset accuracy, revealing potential compromises in previous analyses and a lack of consensus in tetrapod phylogeny.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bryan M. Gee, Aaron M. Kufner
Summary: Metoposaurids are large-bodied temnospondyls found in non-marine Late Triassic deposits across northern Pangea. The taxonomy of some species is still unclear, leading to the establishment of a new genus. The phylogeny of the Metoposauridae is labile, posing challenges to understanding their evolutionary history.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Chris Klootwijk
Summary: A long and detailed pole path has been defined from ignimbritic successions across the Tamworth Belt forearc basin of a Carboniferous continental arc in the southern New England Orogen (SNEO) of eastern Australia. The path differs fundamentally from conventional Carboniferous pole paths in Australia and Gondwana.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Thomas Schubnel, Frederic Legendre, Patrick Roques, Romain Garrouste, Raphael Cornette, Michel Perreau, Nail Perreau, Laure Desutter-Grandcolas, Andre Nel
Summary: Acoustic communication in insects has been known since the Mesozoic, but evidence of this behavior in earlier periods is rare. Titanoptera, an 'orthopteroid' order from the Permian-Triassic, is believed to have used their wings to produce flashes of light and/or crepitated sounds, suggesting the oldest record of wing communication in insects may belong to this species. Whether these communication systems were used for mating purposes or defense against predators still remains to be proven.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Johannes Rembe, Edward R. Sobel, Jonas Kley, Renjie Zhou, Rasmus Thiede, Jie Chen
Summary: This study investigates the age and geochemical variability of volcanic arc rocks found in the Chinese, Kyrgyz, and Tajik North Pamir in Central Asia, revealing a complex volcanic arc system. The findings indicate a later activity of the North Pamir volcanic arc compared to the West Kunlun region, with a more pronounced mantle component, challenging existing models.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kamil Gruntmejer, Adam Bodzioch, Dorota Konietzko-Meier
Summary: Recent studies have focused on the dermal bones of the Late Triassic temnospondyl amphibian Metoposaurus krasiejowensis, particularly on the mandible. The mandible exhibits a uniform diploe structure with a moderately vascularized, parallel-fibered outer cortex. In contrast, the articular bone, which is not of dermal origin, is formed from a cartilaginous precursor.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Fergus McNab, Nicky White
Summary: This study describes an ancient landscape that appears to preserve a transient response to mantle processes. By analyzing the stratal relationships and developing a model, the researchers propose that this transient event is caused by the emplacement and decay of a temperature anomaly.
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xiang-dong Wang, Ke-Yi Hu, Yu-Kun Shi, Ji-Tao Chen, Sun-Rong Yang, Xun-Yan Ye, Xiao-Ming Li, Ying-Fan Song, Bo Chen, Xiao-Lin Chang, Le Yao, Yi-Chun Zhang, Jun-Xuan Fan, Shu-Zhong Shen
Summary: The Cimmerian continent is made up of blocks that were attached to Gondwana in different time periods, developing glacial sediments during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age. These blocks present a combination of warm and cool water sediments, lacking upper Carboniferous sediments and showing similarities to Australia and India/Pakistan. Additionally, they are characterized by the absence of upper Carboniferous sediments, making them significantly different from South China and other Tethyan regions.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Camille Dusseaux, Aude Gebelin, Gilles Ruffet, Andreas Mulch
Summary: The study presents the first stable isotope paleoaltimetry estimates for the hinterland of the eroded Variscan Belt of Western Europe based on hydrogen isotope ratios of muscovite from syntectonic leucogranites. The significant difference in hydrogen isotope values between the Millevaches massif and the Bourbon l'Archambault foreland basin supports paleoaltimetry estimates, indicating that the Variscan belt of western Europe acted as a barrier to moisture transport and induced an orographic rain shadow effect.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jacob S. Suissa, William E. Friedman
Summary: A comprehensive study using fern data reveals three paradigm shifts in fern vascular evolution and identifies developmental changes in body size as a major driver of vascular architecture shifts. The research also highlights the explosive phenotypic innovation during the early Carboniferous radiation of crown-group ferns and the decoupling of vascular evolution rates from lineage diversification in the rise of eupolypods during the Cretaceous and Cenozoic periods.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jennifer A. Clack, Timothy R. Smithson, Marcello Ruta
Summary: A newly discovered tetrapod species from the late Mississippian East Kirkton Limestone exhibits an unusual hindlimb morphology resembling that of early stem amniotes. This discovery adds to the understanding of the diversity of East Kirkton tetrapods and their adaptations to different environments. Different analyses suggest different placement for this species among other Carboniferous groups.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
Gregory Retallack
Summary: Coal balls are calcareous peats with cellular permineralization that are invaluable for understanding the anatomy of Pennsylvanian and Permian fossil plants. They are recognized in both Holocene and Pennsylvanian calcareous Histosols as having two distinct types: respirogenic calcite coal balls and methanogenic calcite coal balls, formed with different soil microbiomes.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Zoya A. Tolokonnikova, Dmitry A. Ruban
Summary: The Devonian-Carboniferous transition experienced changes in bryozoan diversity influenced by global events. The diversity patterns recorded in Transcaucasia match those seen globally and in Southern Siberia.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
David W. E. Hone, John M. Ratcliffe, Daniel K. Riskin, John W. Hermanson, Robert R. Reisz
Summary: Rhamphorhynchus muensteri likely began flying soon after hatching, unlike birds and bats. Their near isometric growth pattern suggests they may have occupied different foraging niches over their lifespan.
Article
Paleontology
Bryan M. Gee, Steven E. Jasinski
Summary: Metoposaurids are a significant component in Late Triassic non-marine environments, with the easternmost documentation of Anaschisma browni in Pennsylvania expanding the understanding of this taxon's distribution. Proper taxonomic referral of voucher specimens highlights the importance of detailed documentation in paleontological studies. Uncovers potential implications for Late Triassic tetrapod evolution and calls for further exploration in understudied regions.
JOURNAL OF PALEONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Paleontology
Bryan M. Gee, Peter J. Makovicky, Christian A. Sidor
Summary: The study re-describes the holotype of 'C. kitchingi' through tomographic analysis, showing that many original interpretations and reconstructions cannot be substantiated and some are erroneous. Previously classified as a lydekkerinid, the characteristics are now found to be unfounded. Features instead shared with immature capitosaurs are identified, including a newly collected partial skull representing a relatively mature individual.
JOURNAL OF PALEONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tea Maho, Sigi Maho, Diane Scott, Robert R. Reisz
Summary: The oldest known complex terrestrial vertebrate community included hypercarnivorous varanopids, with their teeth exhibiting serrations and rapid developmental rates. Large apex predator Dimetrodon increased dental longevity through thickening and increasing massiveness, while herbivores reduced tooth replacement rates and increased dental longevity. Early terrestrial carnivorous and herbivorous amniotes exhibited varied dental development and replacement rates, reflecting the complexity and diversity of their feeding behaviors soon after their initial appearance in the fossil record.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bryan M. Gee, Aaron M. Kufner
Summary: Metoposaurids are large-bodied temnospondyls found in non-marine Late Triassic deposits across northern Pangea. The taxonomy of some species is still unclear, leading to the establishment of a new genus. The phylogeny of the Metoposauridae is labile, posing challenges to understanding their evolutionary history.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ben T. T. Kligman, Bryan M. M. Gee, Adam D. D. Marsh, Sterling J. J. Nesbitt, Matthew E. E. Smith, William G. G. Parker, Michelle R. R. Stocker
Summary: Scientists have discovered the oldest caecilian fossil in Arizona, USA, suggesting that the origin of caecilians can be traced back to the Triassic period. These fossils reveal the tempo and mode of early caecilian morphological and functional evolution, providing new evidence supporting a single origin of caecilians with other amphibians.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ethan Mooney, Tea Maho, Joseph Bevitt, Robert Reisz
Summary: The initial stages of diapsid evolution, which includes extant reptiles and the majority of extinct reptilian taxa, are poorly understood. However, a new and unusual diapsid reptile with unique dentition and lower jaw anatomy has been discovered in the cave deposits near Richards Spur, Oklahoma, providing evidence of the diversification of diapsid reptiles in the early Permian.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chen-Tzu Chiu, Jyun-Kai Cao, Pei-Wen Wang, Ya-Na Wu, Yao-Chang Lee, Yeau-Ren Jeng, Dar-Bin Shieh, Robert R. Reisz
Summary: In this study, the surface ultra-structural topography, nanotribology, and chemical compositions of mammal species with different dietary habits were characterized using scanning probe microscopy, depth sensing, and spectromicroscopy. It was found that enamel with greater surface hardness or thickness exhibited a more salient gradient feature from the tooth surface to the dentino-enamel junction (DEJ) that corresponds to the in situ phosphate-to-amide ratio. This gradient feature of enamel covering softer dentine determines the robust physical property of this unique biomaterial, allowing it to dissipate stress and prevent mechanical failure. The evolution of mammalian dentition's biochemical composition and biomechanical properties is related to variations in the oral processing of different food materials.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas M. Cullen, Derek W. Larson, Mark P. Witton, Diane Scott, Tea Maho, Kirstin S. Brink, David C. Evans, Robert Reisz
Summary: Large theropod dinosaurs were believed to have their teeth exposed, but this study suggests that their teeth were most likely covered with extraoral tissue when the mouth was closed, similar to living ziphodont amniotes. The findings change our understanding of their appearance and oral configuration, and have implications for the interpretation of other terrestrial animals with large teeth.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tea Maho, Joseph J. Bevitt, Robert R. Reisz
Summary: The discovery of articulated pelvic region and additional isolated material of Varanops brevirostris supports the existence of this large varanopid species at the Richards Spur locality. The presence of distinct anatomical features, such as blade-like neural spines and excavated pubis, confirms the autapomorphies previously suggested for this species. Histological analysis and neutron computed tomography indicate that the articulated specimen likely belonged to an adult individual.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dylan C. T. Rowe, Joseph J. Bevitt, Robert R. Reisz
Summary: Through the use of neutron tomography, the detailed description of the holotype skeleton of Delorhynchus cifellii has provided important new information about the cranial and postcranial anatomy of this early Permian parareptile. Previously unknown features of the skull and the exposure of the stapes in three dimensions have been revealed. The discovery of postcranial material in articulation with the skull allows for the first detailed description of vertebrae, ribs, shoulder girdle, and humerus of an acleistorhinid parareptile, leading to a reevaluation of its phylogenetic relationships.
Article
Paleontology
Bryan. M. M. Gee, Charles. V. V. Beightol, Christian. A. A. Sidor
Summary: Stereospondyls underwent a global radiation in the Early Triassic, and Lapillopsidae is one such clade. The phylogenetic position of Lapillopsidae remains unresolved, with conflicting results regarding its relationship to other Early Triassic clades such as Lydekkerinidae. A newly discovered specimen in Antarctica, Rhigerpeton isbelli, confirms its Lapillopsidae affinities but adds to the uncertainty regarding the polyphyly and/or paraphyly of Lydekkerinidae. The occurrence of Lapillopsidae in Antarctica expands our understanding of temnospondyl diversity, but challenges in resolving historic Antarctic temnospondyl records hinder robust biogeographic comparisons.
JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Lachlan J. J. Hart, Bryan M. M. Gee, Patrick M. M. Smith, Matthew R. R. McCurry
Summary: Compared with other Mesozoic tetrapod groups, Chigutisaurid fossils are rare in Australia. The discovery of a well-preserved Chigutisaurid fossil from the Terrigal Formation in New South Wales confirms previous hypotheses on the presence of large-bodied Chigutisaurids in the Triassic of Australia.
JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Michael W. Caldwell, Tiago R. Simoes, Alessandro Palci, Fernando F. Garberoglio, Robert R. Reisz, Michael S. Y. Lee, Randall L. Nydam
Summary: This study describes the first known snake fossil with fore- and hind limbs, Tetrapodophis amplectus, from the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil, and provides new evidence refuting its classification as a snake and identifying it as a dolichosaur instead. The analysis of its morphological features reveals aquatic adaptations, with no evidence supporting constriction behavior or macromystomy.
JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Paleontology
Bryan M. Gee, Joseph J. Bevitt, Robert R. Reisz
Summary: Recumbirostran 'microsaurs' are Paleozoic tetrapods with morphological adaptations for fossorial ecologies; recent studies using tomographic methods have provided new data on the poorly known anatomy, informing their phylogenetic position within crown Amniota, and the discovery of multiple tooth rows in 'microsaurs' further supports their close relationship with reptiles.
PAPERS IN PALAEONTOLOGY
(2021)