Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Gustavo Darlim, Felipe C. Montefeltro, Max C. Langer
Summary: Baurusuchidae is a diverse group of South American notosuchians, known for their reduced tooth formula, compressed rostrum, and verticalized quadrate. A new baurusuchid species with distinct features has been described, highlighting its phylogenetic position within the group as sister to other baurusuchines. The study helps to distinguish between Baurusuchinae and Pissarrachampsinae lineages, suggesting variability in the radiation of Baurusuchidae.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ariana Paulina-Carabajal, Francisco T. Barrios, Ariel H. Mendez, Ignacio A. Cerda, Yuong-Nam Lee
Summary: Recent discoveries in southern South America have improved the Late Cretaceous dinosaur record, with findings from Chorrillo and Cerro Fortaleza formations adding ankylosaur remains to the previously recorded dinosaur fauna. A site in Cerro Fortaleza Formation yielded isolated teeth and osteoderms from Abelisauridae, Titanosauria, Nodosauridae, and Peirosauridae, providing valuable information on the biodiversity of the region during the Campanian-Maastrichtian age. This site also marks the first record of ankylosaurs and the most southerly record of Peirosauridae in South America.
Article
Geology
Malena Juarez, E. Martin Hechenleitner, Agustin G. Martinelli, Sebastian Rocher, Lucas E. Fiorelli
Summary: Limited records of Cretaceous theropod dinosaurs in Argentina, particularly in the Patagonian region. Recent discoveries in the Northwest of Argentina confirmed the presence of abelisaurid theropods and peirosaurid crocodyliforms in the Upper Cretaceous of La Rioja Province. The findings suggest the potential presence of multiple abelisaurid species in the region and offer exciting prospects for future expeditions.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geology
Mauro B. S. Lacerda, Marco B. de Andrade, Marcos A. F. Sales, Paulo R. L. Araga, Fabiana S. Vieira, Jonathas S. Bittencourt, Alexandre Liparini
Summary: The Feliz Deserto Formation in NE Brazil preserves some of the earliest fossil records of the Gondwana supercontinent break-up during the Early Cretaceous. Recent discoveries include a new spinosaurid theropod tooth and various other fossils, expanding the fossil record of spinosaurine theropods and neosuchian crocodyliforms in Gondwana. The taphonomic features of the new fossils suggest a low fluvial transport prior to burial, and the depositional paleo-environment of the Canafistula 01 locality is compatible with a deltaic system unit.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lucas E. Fiorelli, Agustin G. Martinelli, Joao Ismael da Silva, E. Martin Hechenleitner, Marcus Vinicius Theodoro Soares, Julian C. G. Silva Junior, Jose Carlos da Silva, Elbia Messias Roteli Borges, Luiz Carlos Borges Ribeiro, Andre Marconato, Giorgio Basilici, Thiago da Silva Marinho
Summary: Titanosaurs were herbivorous dinosaurs that were widely distributed during the Cretaceous period, with South America being the most diverse region. Their success can be attributed to various physiological and ecological factors, as well as the morphological traits they acquired throughout their evolutionary history. Titanosaurs exhibited nesting behaviors in different paleoenvironments, which played a crucial role in their success.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Geology
Thomas Martin, Francisco J. Goin, Julia A. Schultz, Javier N. Gelfo
Summary: This paper reports on the discovery of rare Cretaceous animal teeth fragments in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, revealing new records of docodontans, Cretaceous australosphenidans, and stem dryolestids in South America. These fossils may provide important clues for understanding faunal interrelationships between Australia and South America during the late Early/early Late Cretaceous.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Facundo De Benedetti, Maria C. Zamaloa, Maria A. Gandolfo, Nestor R. Cuneo
Summary: This study describes a water fern spore assemblage from the Maastrichtian La Colonia Formation in Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina, including various species of fern spores and new records. The diversity of this spore assemblage is one of the most abundant in South America and confirms a significant radiation of aquatic ferns at the end of the Cretaceous period.
REVIEW OF PALAEOBOTANY AND PALYNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Yohan Pochat-Cottilloux, Nicolas Rinder, Gwendal Perrichon, Jerome Adrien, Romain Amiot, Stephane Hua, Jeremy E. Martin
Summary: We described the endocranial structures of Hamadasuchus, a crocodylomorph from Morocco, and compared them with other crocodylomorphs. The study identified the cranial bones of Hamadasuchus and explored its paleobiological traits for the first time. The expanded but narrow semi-circular canals and enlarged pneumatization of the skull suggest a terrestrial lifestyle. Further research on the neuroanatomy of terrestrial crocodylomorphs is needed to understand the impact of lifestyle on internal structures.
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ross N. Mitchell, Christopher J. Thissen, David A. D. Evans, Sarah P. Slotznick, Rodolfo Coccioni, Toshitsugu Yamazaki, Joseph L. Kirschvink
Summary: A new high-resolution paleomagnetic record from two overlapping stratigraphic sections in Italy provides evidence for a 12-degree true polar wander oscillation from 86 to 78 million years ago, with the greatest excursion at 84-82 million years ago. This challenges the notion of the spin axis being largely stable over the past 100 million years and represents the most recent large-scale TPW documented.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Romain Vullo, Eberhard Frey, Christina Ifrim, Margarito A. Gonzalez Gonzalez, Eva S. Stinnesbeck, Wolfgang Stinnesbeck
Summary: The newly described Aquilolamna is a bizarre probable planktivorous shark from early Late Cretaceous open marine deposits in Mexico that shows an unexpected evolutionary experimentation with underwater flight among sharks. This long-winged shark with unique body plan belongs to a newly described group (Aquilolamnidae) and may have occupied the ecological niche filled by mobulids and other batoids after the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.
Article
Geology
Luciana S. Marin, Beatriz Aguirre-Urreta, Peter F. Rawson
Summary: In this study, the Paraspiticeras groeberi Zone was discovered in the Agua de la Mula Member of the Agrio Formation in the Neuquen Basin of west-central Argentina. The newly collected specimens allowed for the recognition of a diverse endemic ammonoid fauna. Based on a taxonomic and stratigraphic review, the Paraemericiceras argentinense and Paraspiticeras bituberculatum Zones are proposed to replace the P. groeberi Zone. This study presents a new biostratigraphic scheme for the upper Hauterivian in the Neuquen Basin.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Hugo S. Yamassaki, Fernando F. Vesely
Summary: The study analyzed the geomorphological evolution and architecture of the Maric ' a deep-sea fan in the northern Santos Basin offshore SE Brazil, mapping five horizons using three-dimensional seismic data and well logs. The research revealed major geomorphologic transformations of the deep-sea fan from inception to abandonment, identifying six lobes with varying growth patterns and stratigraphic signatures indicative of different deposition processes. The results showed that the channel network and sand-body architecture evolve predictably controlled by fan aggradation.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
V. S. Perez Loinaze, S. R. Giordano, C. O. Limarino
Summary: A lithofacial and palynological study was conducted on the Can?ad?on Seco Formation in the La Frieda Oeste x-1 well in the Golfo San Jorge Basin, revealing four main lithofacies and suggesting a Turonian?Coniacian age based on the palynological assemblage. The study indicates temperate to warm and humid conditions during a little known period in the evolution of angiosperms in the southern region of Gondwana.
JOURNAL OF SOUTH AMERICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Nicolas R. Chimento, Federico L. L. Agnolin, Makoto Manabe, Takanobu Tsuihiji, Thomas H. H. Rich, Patricia Vickers-Rich, Fernando E. E. Novas
Summary: A tooth from the Late Cretaceous in Argentina suggests the presence of monotremes in South America at the end of the Mesozoic Era. Monotremata, a group of egg-laying mammals represented by the platypus and echidnas, is endemic to Australia and nearby islands. The discovery of a Late Cretaceous monotreme in southern Argentina indicates their presence in circumpolar regions and suggests that their distinctive anatomical features were already present in ancient forms.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Vincenza Guarino, Michele Lustrino, Alberto Zanetti, Colombo C. G. Tassinari, Excelso Ruberti, Roberto De' Gennaro, Leone Melluso
Summary: The article presents the geological characteristics, rock composition, and geochemical features of the largest alkaline complex in Brazil, the Pocos de Caldas massif. It also discusses the isotopic composition and evolution of different types of rocks within the massif.
Article
Biology
Julian C. G. Silva Junior, Agustin G. Martinelli, Fabiano Iori, Thiago S. Marinho, E. Martin Hechenleitner, Max C. Langer
Summary: Aeolosaurus is a late Cretaceous Titanosaur genus with species found in Argentina and Brazil. The Brazilian species Aeolosaurus maximus has been questioned by several authors and a new genus, Arrudatitan, has been proposed to accommodate it.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geology
Julian C. G. Silva Junior, Felipe C. Montefeltro, Thiago S. Marinho, Agustin G. Martinelli, Max C. Langer
Summary: Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the bites of two potential predators on titanosaur osteoderms, showing that the bites caused less stress on solid bone osteoderms. This supports the hypothesis that titanosaur osteoderms could have served as defensive tools beyond just mineral storage.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Leonardo Kerber, Agustin G. Martinelli, Rodrigo T. Muller, Flavio A. Pretto
Summary: Irajatherium hernandezi is a poorly known non-mammaliaform cynodont from the Late Triassic of southern Brazil. A new specimen of this cynodont was found, providing new insights into its anatomy such as the broad and short rostrum, divided cerebral hemispheres, and unresolved relationships in the phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, it was suggested that I. hernandezi presents unique features like a wide temporal fossa and long secondary palate.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geology
Carolina Klock, Lea Leuzinger, Rodrigo Miloni Santucci, Agustin G. Martinelli, Andre Marconato, Thiago S. Marinho, Zoneibe Luz, Torsten Vennemann
Summary: Notosuchia, a diverse group of crocodyliforms from the Cretaceous period, showed variations in feeding habits in the Bauru Basin in Brazil. The climate in the Bauru Group during the Late Cretaceous was semi-arid to arid, based on stable isotope analysis.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Flavio Bellardini, Rodolfo A. Coria, Diego A. Pino, Guillermo J. Windholz, Mattia A. Baiano, Augustin G. Martinelli
Summary: The knowledge of the sauropod dinosaur Ligabuesaurus leanzai is expanded through the description of new postcranial elements and the recognition of a newly referred specimen. The study proposes a new diagnosis for Ligabuesaurus and discusses the implications for the diversification and distribution of South American somphospondylans. The findings contribute to the understanding of the sauropod faunal composition in southwestern Gondwana and shed light on the early evolution of titanosaurians.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Guillermo Navalon, Luis M. Chiappe, Agustin G. Martinelli, William Nava, Daniel J. Field
Summary: Birds and mammals have comparable relative brain sizes and behavioral complexity. The avian central nervous system and vestibular system are different from other reptiles. A recent discovery of an undistorted braincase from the Late Cretaceous in Brazil shows that early birds had similar endocranial traits to crown birds, suggesting these traits originated before the split between Enantiornithes and crown birds over 140 million years ago. This finding supports the idea that the distinct endocranial morphologies of crown birds and their Mesozoic relatives are influenced by spatial constraints during development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Letter
Anatomy & Morphology
Fernando Abdala, Luke A. Norton, Sandra C. Jasinoski, Jennifer Botha, Vincent Fernandez, Bruce Rubidge, Pamela G. Gill, Agustin G. Martinelli
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Micheli Stefanello, Agustin G. Martinelli, Rodrigo T. Muller, Sergio Dias-da-Silva, Leonardo Kerber
Summary: This article describes a Triassic cynodont species called Prozostrodon brasiliensis, which is important in studying the emergence of mammalian characters. The analysis of a well-preserved skull of Pr. brasiliensis reveals the existence of a new South American cynodont clade called Prozostrodontidae, which is on the stem lineage of mammals.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALIAN EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
F. Bellardini, R. A. Coria, G. J. Windholz, A. G. Martinelli, M. A. Baiano
Summary: This study presents an extended osteological description and revised diagnosis of the Agustinia ligabuei fossils found in the Cerro de los Leones locality in Patagonia, Argentina. The phylogenetic analysis recognizes Agustinia as a basal Rebbachisauridae, shedding light on the early stages of the evolutionary history of this clade in the Early Cretaceous of southwestern Gondwana. The presence of diverse sauropod fauna in the Neuquen Basin during the Albian age is also indicated.
HISTORICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julian C. G. Silva Junior, Agustin G. Martinelli, Thiago S. Marinho, Joao Ismael da Silva, Max C. Langer
Summary: This study reveals that two previously known taxa are actually the same species based on new titanosaur specimens unearthed from a site in Uberaba, Brazil. Furthermore, it also identifies a new taxon from the same area that was previously thought to be a different species.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Mauricio Rodrigo Schmitt, Agustin Guillermo Martinelli, Joao Felipe Leal Kaiuca, Cesar Leandro Schultz, Marina Bento Soares
Summary: In this paper, a new genus and species of gomphodontosuchine cynodont from the Late Triassic Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone of southern Brazil is described. The new taxon, Santagnathus mariensis, is closely related to Siriusgnathus niemeyerorum and Exaeretodon spp. It expands our knowledge about gomphodontosuchine cynodonts and exhibits a skull bauplan similar to S. niemeyerorum and E. riograndensis, but with unique traits. The new species was found associated with the rhynchosaur Hyperodapedon sp., confirming its attribution to the Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Leonardo Kerber, Livia Roese-Miron, Jamile M. Bubadue, Agustin G. Martinelli
Summary: In this study, the endocranial anatomy of Prozostrodon brasiliensis and Therioherpeton cargnini, two non-mammaliaform cynodonts from the Late Triassic period, was investigated. The findings indicate that early prozostrodonts had well-developed olfactory bulbs, expanded cerebral hemispheres, and the absence of unossified zone and pineal body during the Carnian. This new anatomical information provides evidence for the evolution of endocranial traits in the first prozostrodonts, which eventually led to the emergence of mammals.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Voltaire D. Paes-Neto, Marcel B. Lacerda, Martin D. Ezcurra, Tiago Raugust, Maria J. Trotteyn, Marina B. Soares, Cesar L. Schultz, Flavio A. Pretto, Heitor Francischini, Agustin G. Martinelli
Summary: This study provides a reappraisal of proterochampsid specimens from Brazil and proposes two new taxa: Pinheirochampsa rodriguesi and Kuruxuchampsa dornellesi. The new species expand the knowledge of non-archosaurian archosauriform diversity during the Middle-Late Triassic in South America and enhance comparisons between Argentina and Brazil.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Paleontology
Hans P. P. Puschel, Agustin G. Martinelli
Summary: Since its discovery by Charles Darwin in 1834, the remains of Macrauchenia patachonica have intrigued researchers with its unique anatomy. Extensively studied over the years, including molecular studies, certain elements of its skeleton, such as the atlas, were inadvertently overlooked. In this study, the atlas of M. patachonica is described and illustrated for the first time, correcting a misidentification made 159 years ago.
SWISS JOURNAL OF PALAEONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geology
Malena Juarez, E. Martin Hechenleitner, Agustin G. Martinelli, Sebastian Rocher, Lucas E. Fiorelli
Summary: Limited records of Cretaceous theropod dinosaurs in Argentina, particularly in the Patagonian region. Recent discoveries in the Northwest of Argentina confirmed the presence of abelisaurid theropods and peirosaurid crocodyliforms in the Upper Cretaceous of La Rioja Province. The findings suggest the potential presence of multiple abelisaurid species in the region and offer exciting prospects for future expeditions.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geology
Jimmy de Rooij, Sybrand A. N. Lucassen, Charlotte Furer, Anne S. Schulp, P. Martin Sander
Summary: This study presents a detailed osteohistological analysis on Triceratops horridus and Triceratops cf. prorsus specimens, aiming to understand the growth and development of ceratopsids. The analysis reveals a distinct pattern of bone tissue growth in Triceratops limb elements, but also suggests that taxonomic ambiguity between Torosaurus and Triceratops cannot be solely resolved based on histological data.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Review
Geology
J. R. Ovando-Figueroa, J. A. Moreno-Bedmar, M. Company, J. A. Jacobo-Delgado
Summary: This article presents a review of ammonoid specimens from the Berriasian and Valanginian age in Zacatecas, Mexico. The study includes updated museographic information, new images, and 3D models of the specimens. Taxonomic identification has revealed six species and two genera. Stratigraphic range data suggests that the specimens belong to the uppermost upper Berriasian to lower Valanginian interval, with several biozones identified. Additionally, a paleobiogeographic analysis indicates a clear affinity with contemporaneous ammonoid assemblages from the Mediterranean region.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Jake Kotevski, Ruairidh J. Duncan, Adele H. Pentland, James P. Rule, Patricia Vickers-Rich, Thomas H. Rich, Erich M. G. Fitzgerald, Alistair R. Evans, Stephen F. Poropat
Summary: The cranial remains of non-avian theropod dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period in Australia are poorly understood. This study presents new evidence of non-mandibular cranial material, possibly belonging to the Megaraptoridae family, and contributes to the limited knowledge of Australian Cretaceous theropod cranial remains.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Josh Jenkins Shaw, Alexey Solodovnikov, Evgeny E. Perkovsky
Summary: A fossil of the monogeneric rove beetle subfamily Trichophyinae (genus Trichophya) has been discovered in the Upper Cretaceous Taimyr amber from northern Siberia. This finding indicates the morphological differences between ancient and modern Trichophya species groups. By comparing the morphology, distribution, and habitat requirements of extant species, the taxonomy, biogeography, and paleoecology of the Trichophya in Taimyr amber can be better understood.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Martin Kostak, Frank Wiese, Zuzana Kozlova, Adam Culka, Martin Mazuch, Martin Soucek
Summary: A well-preserved fossil of an upper Cretaceous acanthoceratoid ammonite has been discovered in the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin, providing important insights into the jaw anatomy of these extinct organisms.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Gustavo Santiago, Marcelo de Araujo Carvalho, Renato Rodriguez Cabral Ramos, Sandro Marcelo Scheffler
Summary: The Santa Marta Formation in the Antarctic Peninsula is an important sedimentary sequence that provides insights into paleoenvironmental changes. The distribution of sedimentary organic matter reveals three distinct palynofacies associations and shows a progressive transgression from terrestrial to marine environments.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
B. J. Vazquez, D. Castanera, B. Vila
Summary: In Europe, the fossil record of sauropods in the uppermost Cretaceous is mainly found in Spain, France, and Romania. Recently, a significant discovery of titanosaurs' teeth was made in Els Nerets, Spain, which contains the largest tooth sample from the Late Cretaceous in Europe. The teeth show distinct characteristics but cannot be attributed to any known European species. Based on tooth morphology and wear facets distribution, a new taxon is proposed.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Youssef S. Bazeen, Walid G. Kassab, El Sayed M. Moneer, Gebely A. Abu El-Kheir, Mohamed K. Abdelgawad, Haitham M. Ayyad
Summary: This study investigates the Maastrichtian-Danian succession in the Abu Minqar section of the Western Desert of Egypt, using an integrated analysis of biostratigraphy and chemostratigraphy. The results suggest that regional tectonics played a substantial role in the depositional history and paleoenvironmental circumstances of the southern Tethys margin.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Fernando R. Rios, Ana M. P. Mizusaki, Rualdo Menegat, Isaque C. Rodrigues
Summary: This study examines the temporal and spatial relationships between fluvio-aeolian, aeolian, and volcanic systems in the southernmost part of the Parana Basin during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. By analyzing facies and architectural elements, the evolution of the volcano-sedimentary record is reconstructed.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Antonio M. Casas, Arsenio Munoz, Alberto Tella, Carlos L. Liesa
Summary: This work proposes the application of magnetic surveying to study the cyclicity in sedimentary basins. Through measuring the total magnetic field and vertical magnetic gradient, the short-wavelength magnetic anomalies associated with the sedimentary sequence can be analyzed, providing information about the magnetic susceptibility and magnetic remanence of different sedimentary units. The cyclostratigraphic analysis reveals the existence of various cycles and enables the dating of the basin fill, offering new constraints for basin evolution.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Ottilia Szives, Josep A. Moreno-Bedmar, Beatriz Aguirre-Urreta, Miguel Company, Camille Frau, Mikel Lopez-Horgue, Antoine Pictet, Izabela Ploch, Christian Salazar, Ricardo Barragan, Jean -Louis Latil, Jens Lehmann, Stephane Reboulet, Emmanuel Robert
Summary: The 7th meeting of the IUGS Lower Cretaceous Ammonite Working Group discussed important changes in the geological age classification, including adjustments and improvements to the upper Tithonian-Berriasian, upper Aptian, and Albian stages. The meeting also discussed the Valanginian and Hauterivian stages, and provided discussions on zonal indices and units, emphasizing the use of interval zones and subzones.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Felix Schlagintweit, David Gercar, Bostjan Rozic
Summary: A mixed assemblage of planktonic and benthonic foraminifera has been found in the Lower Flyschoid Formation in the western part of the Slovenian Basin. These findings provide valuable insights into the biostratigraphy and paleogeographic configuration of the region during the Early to Middle Cretaceous.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Arkaprava Mukhopadhyay, Debarati Chattopadhyay, Arghya Poddar, Ranita Saha, Sachin Patil, Tushar Sonkar, Sujoy Das, Rudranil Basak, Shubhabrata Paul, Arindam Roy
Summary: Predator-prey interaction exerts significant selection pressure on the evolutionary pathways of both parties. This research presents a new dataset of gastropod drilling predation on molluscan prey from the Upper Cretaceous, highlighting the influence of drilling predation during this period. The study utilizes a hybrid method of surface sampling without physically breaking the host rock. Findings suggest that drilling predation was an established form of predation during the Late Cretaceous, yet remains understudied.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Dany Azar, Andre Nel
Summary: Lebanoaktassia curiosa is a new genus and species of strange dragonfly, representing the first Gondwanan species of the family Aktassiidae. It was found in Hjoula, Lebanon, along with two endemic dragonfly families, suggesting a possible connection to an island insular system in the Early Cretaceous.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Geology
Pablo M. Villegas, A. Martin Umazano, Marcelo Krause, Mariana Brea
Summary: Conifer fossil woods from the Campanian Puntudo Chico Formation were studied, confirming the presence of Brachyoxylon currumillii and the introduction of Cupressinoxylon sp. cf. C. artabeae in the formation. The new specimens of Podocarpoxylon mazzonii suggest that this taxon is common in the Cretaceous to Eocene floristic assemblages. The growth-ring analysis of these fossil trees indicates their development under temperate and humid conditions, with slight sensitivity from year to year and a terminal event representing a cessation or retardation of cambial activity. Other paleoclimatic proxies suggest a temperate-warm and humid depositional environment with some semi-arid events in the Puntudo Chico Formation.
CRETACEOUS RESEARCH
(2024)
