Vertebrate coprolites from the Triassic of Argentina (Cuyana Basin)

MANCUSO, ADRIANA; MARSICANO, CLAUDIA; PALMA, RICARDO

AMEGHINIANA

APA

Lugar: BUE; Año: 2004 vol. 41 p. 347 - 354

0002-7014

Abstract.   The studied material includes both specimens originally described by Rusconi plus many new undescribed materials. Four morphotypes were identified on the basis of the morphological features of the coprolites as shape, surface texture, size and internal structure, among others. Morphotype A is characterized by spiral coprolites with also an internal coiled aspect and they contain numerous ganoid scales. Morphotype B includes coprolites with an amorphous homogeneous phosphatic internal structure, in contrast with those of Morphotype C which present a phosphatic granulate internal aspect. Finally, Morphotype D is characterized by an agglomeration of ganoid scales visible both externally and internally. The four morphotypesshow similar sedimentological and taphonomic features that suggest that their producers inhabited the water bodies. Moreover, their phosphatic composition and inclusions of fish scales are considered unequivocal evidence of the carnivore diet of their producers. Aquatic vertebrates known by skeletal remains from the same levels are actinopterigian fishes and temnospondyl amphibians and are the more likely producers of the studied coprolites. Particularly, Morphotype A might be also related to dipnoans or coelacanths though morphotypes B, C and D can not be specifically related to any vertebrate group. Nevertheless, their morphological and compositional differences suggest quite dissimilar producers.