Article
Zoology
Mark T. Young, Arnaud Brignon, Sven Sachs, Jahn J. Hornung, Davide Foffa, James J. N. Kitson, Michela M. Johnson, Lorna Steel
Summary: Metriorhynchidae is an extinct clade of crocodylomorphs adapted to a pelagic lifestyle, with the type genus Metriorhynchus being well-known. However, the traditional concept of Metriorhynchus being non-monophyletic led to the establishment of a new genus Thalattosuchus for Me. superciliosus to address this issue.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark T. Young, Charlotte I. W. Bowman, Arthur Erb, Julia A. Schwab, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: Thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs were a diverse group that lived in water from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. The subclade Metriorhynchoidea went through a remarkable evolution from semi-aquatic ambush predators to fully aquatic forms living in open oceans. Thalattosuchians share a unique palatal morphology with fossil cetaceans, having paired grooves along the palatal surface. By investigating CT scans of thalattosuchian and extant crocodylian species, this study reveals that all thalattosuchians had osseous canals connected to the oral cavity, which transmitted hypertrophied nasal vessels for heat exchange. This suggests that thalattosuchians had a complex thermoregulatory system to maintain stable temperatures for their neurosensory tissues.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Charlotte I. W. Bowman, Mark T. Young, Julia A. Schwab, Stig Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Jonah Choiniere, Kathleen N. Dollman, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: By studying the neurovascular canals of extinct and extant crocodyliforms, it was found that crocodyliforms and basal metriorhynchoids had extensive trigeminal innervation, while metriorhynchids and extant crocodylians had more limited trigeminal innervation. This suggests a potential evolutionary shift in sensory abilities related to underwater life.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Thomas Cowgill, Mark T. Young, Julia A. Schwab, Stig Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Kathleen N. Dollman, Jonah N. Choiniere, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: Thalattosuchians were a mainly marine group of crocodylomorphs in the Mesozoic era, with recent research revealing new details about the evolutionary transition from terrestrial to marine to pelagic forms. The study found that thalattosuchians have greatly reduced paranasal sinus systems, primarily consisting of the antorbital sinus. This characteristic may have appeared early in the marine transition of thalattosuchians.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lea C. Girard, Sophie De Sousa Oliveira, Irena Raselli, Jeremy E. Martin, Jeremy Anquetin
Summary: A new marine crocodylomorph fossil species, Torvoneustes jurensis sp. nov., was discovered in Porrentruy, Switzerland. The fossil includes relatively complete remains of the skull and skeleton. The description of this new species provides new insights into the evolutionary trends of the genus Torvoneustes.
Article
Zoology
Thomas Cowgill, Mark T. Young Fls, Julia A. Schwab, Stig Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Kathleen N. Dollman, Alan H. Turner, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: In this study, endocranial reconstructions were created from CT scans of different species in the crocodylomorph clade Thalattosuchia, revealing a unique sequence of changes in the size of nasal cavity expansions corresponding to salt glands. These findings suggest that Thalattosuchia underwent a distinct evolutionary process as they transitioned from land to sea.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark T. Young, Nikolay G. Zverkov, Maxim S. Arkhangelsky, Alexey P. Ippolitov, Igor A. Meleshin, Georgy V. Mirantsev, Alexey S. Shmakov, Ilya M. Stenshin
Summary: During the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, metriorhynchid crocodylomorphs were found in marine ecosystems across the European archipelago. However, their fossil record in Eastern Europe, specifically Russia, is limited. This study reports the discovery of metriorhynchid fossils from various time periods in European Russia, suggesting their presence in the region since its formation. These fossils provide insight into the distribution and paleolatitude of metriorhynchids, indicating their rare occurrence at northern latitudes and absence at latitudes higher than 50 degrees, supporting the hypothesis of an elevated but non-endothermic metabolism.
Article
Ecology
Michela M. Johnson, Davide Foffa, Mark T. Young, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: This study investigates the ecology and feeding specializations of teleosauroids using morphological and functional cranio-dental characteristics. The results reveal limited mandibular functional variability in teleosaurids and machimosaurids, suggesting a narrow feeding ecological divide between the two groups.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Eric W. Wilberg, Alexander R. Beyl, Stephanie E. Pierce, Alan H. Turner
Summary: Thalattosuchians, including Macrospondylus bollensis, underwent independent transitions into the marine realm among crocodylomorphs, with adaptations ranging from semiaquatic to fully pelagic forms. This study examines the cranial and endocranial anatomy of Macrospondylus bollensis, revealing unique osteological features and sensory adaptations in thalattosuchians, such as enlarged olfactory regions and smaller salt glands compared to more aquatically adapted forms. The presence of osteological correlates for salt glands in a teleosauroid supports the hypothesis of a rapid radiation into the marine realm from a common ancestor of Thalattosuchia.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Daniel Madzia, Sven Sachs, Mark T. Young, Alexander Lukeneder, Petr Skupien
Summary: Metriorhynchid crocodylomorphs played a significant role in shallow marine ecosystems in the European archipelago during the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. This study identified two isolated metriorhynchid tooth crowns from the Czech Republic, representing the first evidence of Metriorhynchidae in the country and some of the youngest metriorhynchid specimens globally.
ACTA PALAEONTOLOGICA POLONICA
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Stephan N. F. Spiekman
Summary: Crocodylomorpha is the stem-lineage of modern crocodylians that survived the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction event. Saltoposuchus connectens is one of the first described crocodylomorph species but its taxonomy has been contentious. In this study, additional specimens of Saltoposuchus are described in detail, its taxonomy is revised, and its relationship with other crocodylomorphs is investigated.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Francois Bonhomme, Laura Meyer, Christine Arbiol, Daniela Banaru, Lilia Bahri-Sfar, Karima Fadhlaoui-Zid, Petr Strelkov, Marco Arculeo, Laurent Soulier, Jean-Pierre Quignard, Pierre-Alexandre Gagnaire
Summary: The study reveals that coastal anchovies in the Mediterranean share a common ancestor, despite limited gene flow, there is still significant genetic differentiation. Therefore, it is proposed that coastal anchovies should have their own species status and emphasize the need for a unified taxonomical framework for future research and management.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Paleontology
Gonzalo Gabriel Bravo, Diego Pol, Matias Alberto Armella, Kevin Gomez
Summary: This study investigates the variability and diversity of palatal anatomy in Sebecidae based on a partial skull, revealing distinct paleoecological traits among terrestrial crocodyliforms. The research also highlights the higher morphological disparity in the choanal region of Sebecidae compared to other terrestrial groups of Notosuchia.
JOURNAL OF PALEONTOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Mizuki Matsunuma, Hiroyuki Motomura
Summary: Dampierosa daruma and Erosa erosa were redescribed based on morphological differences, confirming the validity of Dampierosa as a separate genus. D. daruma is restricted to northwestern Australia, while E. erosa is widely distributed in the western Pacific and southeastern Indian Ocean.
ICHTHYOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Subal Kumar Roul, N. S. Jeena, Rajan Kumar, R. Vinothkumar, Shikha Rahangdale, Summaya Rahuman, Shubhadeep Ghosh, Prathibha Rohit, Achamveetil Gopalakrishnan
Summary: This study presents a systematic revision of the genus Pampus in the Indo-Western Pacific region. Through comprehensive sampling and molecular analysis, the Silver Pomfret (Pampus griseus) is redescribed as a valid species. Bayesian phylogeny reveals the species relationships and clustering patterns within the genus Pampus.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Mark T. Young, Sven Sachs
Summary: The discovery of a definite specimen of a thalattosuchian crocodylomorph in the Portland Stone Formation in England sheds light on the faunal shift in Europe during the Tithonian-to-Berriasian, supporting the hypothesis of the extinction of Teleosauroidea in Europe. The fossil record suggests that the teleosauroids may have survived for at least 20 million years after the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary, especially closer to the equator.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geology
Sven Sachs, Mark T. Young, Jahn J. Hornung
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julia A. Schwab, Mark T. Young, James M. Neenan, Stig A. Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Ronan Allain, Christopher A. Brochu, Jonah N. Choiniere, James M. Clark, Kathleen N. Dollman, Steve Etches, Guido Fritsch, Paul M. Gignac, Alexander Ruebenstahl, Sven Sachs, Alan H. Turner, Patrick Vignaud, Eric W. Wilberg, Xing Xu, Lindsay E. Zanno, Stephen L. Brusatte
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Article
Zoology
Mark T. Young, Sven Sachs, Pascal Abel, Davide Foffa, Yanina Herrera, James J. N. Kitson
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2020)
Editorial Material
Zoology
Eduardo Puertolas-Pascual, Mark T. Young, Christopher A. Brochu
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michela M. Johnson, Mark T. Young, Stephen L. Brusatte
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Thomas Cowgill, Mark T. Young, Julia A. Schwab, Stig Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Kathleen N. Dollman, Jonah N. Choiniere, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: Thalattosuchians were a mainly marine group of crocodylomorphs in the Mesozoic era, with recent research revealing new details about the evolutionary transition from terrestrial to marine to pelagic forms. The study found that thalattosuchians have greatly reduced paranasal sinus systems, primarily consisting of the antorbital sinus. This characteristic may have appeared early in the marine transition of thalattosuchians.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Charlotte I. W. Bowman, Mark T. Young, Julia A. Schwab, Stig Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Jonah Choiniere, Kathleen N. Dollman, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: By studying the neurovascular canals of extinct and extant crocodyliforms, it was found that crocodyliforms and basal metriorhynchoids had extensive trigeminal innervation, while metriorhynchids and extant crocodylians had more limited trigeminal innervation. This suggests a potential evolutionary shift in sensory abilities related to underwater life.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Julia A. Schwab, Mark T. Young, Stig A. Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Christopher A. Brochu, Ian B. Butler, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: Crocodilians living in tropical to subtropical environments mainly reside in shallow waters and undergo changes in size and shape of their endosseous labyrinths during ontogeny. These changes are influenced by skull growth constraints rather than alterations in locomotion, diet, or other biological functions or behaviors.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julia A. Schwab, Mark T. Young, Stig A. Walsh, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Zena L. Timmons, Ian B. Butler, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: The vestibular system of the inner ear plays a crucial role in balance and equilibrium sensation, with otoliths being common but often overlooked components. Research on crocodylian species shows that otoliths continue to grow during ontogeny and play an important role in sensory detection. Further studies on the size, shape, and distribution of otoliths in tetrapods promise to provide insights into sensory abilities.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark T. Young, Charlotte I. W. Bowman, Arthur Erb, Julia A. Schwab, Lawrence M. Witmer, Yanina Herrera, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: Thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs were a diverse group that lived in water from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous. The subclade Metriorhynchoidea went through a remarkable evolution from semi-aquatic ambush predators to fully aquatic forms living in open oceans. Thalattosuchians share a unique palatal morphology with fossil cetaceans, having paired grooves along the palatal surface. By investigating CT scans of thalattosuchian and extant crocodylian species, this study reveals that all thalattosuchians had osseous canals connected to the oral cavity, which transmitted hypertrophied nasal vessels for heat exchange. This suggests that thalattosuchians had a complex thermoregulatory system to maintain stable temperatures for their neurosensory tissues.
Article
Zoology
Mark T. Young, Arnaud Brignon, Sven Sachs, Jahn J. Hornung, Davide Foffa, James J. N. Kitson, Michela M. Johnson, Lorna Steel
Summary: Metriorhynchidae is an extinct clade of crocodylomorphs adapted to a pelagic lifestyle, with the type genus Metriorhynchus being well-known. However, the traditional concept of Metriorhynchus being non-monophyletic led to the establishment of a new genus Thalattosuchus for Me. superciliosus to address this issue.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Paleontology
Julia A. Schwab, Mark T. Young, Yanina Herrera, Lawrence M. Witmer, Stig A. Walsh, Orestis L. Katsamenis, Stephen L. Brusatte
Summary: Through micro-computed tomography data and three-dimensional models, this study described the braincase and endocranial anatomy of the marine metriorhynchid 'Metriorhynchus' cf. 'M.' brachyrhynchus, revealing neuroanatomical features that likely facilitated its survival in the marine environment. These features, seen in various thalattosuchians, suggest that endocranial anatomy played a key role in allowing these species to colonize the ocean realm.
JOURNAL OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Michela M. Johnson, Mark T. Young, Stephen L. Brusatte
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2020)