A new neosuchian crocodylomorph (Crocodyliformes, Mesoeucrocodylia) from the Early Cretaceous of north-east Brazil |
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Authors: | by DANIEL C. FORTIER CESAR L. SCHULTZ |
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Affiliation: | Departamento de Paleontologia e Estratigrafia, UFRGS, Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, C.P. 15001 RS, Brazil;e-mails: |
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Abstract: | Abstract: A new neosuchian crocodylomorph, Susisuchus jaguaribensis sp. nov., is described based on fragmentary but diagnostic material. It was found in fluvial-braided sediments of the Lima Campos Basin, north-eastern Brazil, 115 km from where Susisuchus anatoceps was found, in rocks of the Crato Formation, Araripe Basin. S. jaguaribensis and S. anatoceps share a squamosal–parietal contact in the posterior wall of the supratemporal fenestra. A phylogenetic analysis places the genus Susisuchus as the sister group to Eusuchia, confirming earlier studies. Because of its position, we recovered the family name Susisuchidae, but with a new definition, being node-based group including the last common ancestor of Susisuchus anatoceps and Susisuchus jaguaribensis and all of its descendents. This new species corroborates the idea that the origin of eusuchians was a complex evolutionary event and that the fossil record is still very incomplete. |
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Keywords: | Crocodyliformes Mesoeucrocodylia Neosuchia Susisuchus new species Early Cretaceous north-east Brazil |
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