INVESTIGADORES
EZCURRA Martin Daniel
artículos
Título:
?Proterosuchia?: the origin and early history of Archosauriformes
Autor/es:
EZCURRA, M. D.; BUTLER, R. J.; GOWER, D. J.
Revista:
GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SPECIAL PUBLICATION
Editorial:
GEOLOGICAL SOC PUBL HOUSE
Referencias:
Lugar: London; Año: 2013 vol. 379
ISSN:
0305-8719
Resumen:
The earliest history of Archosauriformes is mainly represented by members of Proterosuchidae
and Erythrosuchidae, which are known worldwide from latest Permian to Middle Triassic
beds. These two groups were historically combined within ?Proterosuchia?, with approximately
30 nominal species. Two morphotypes have been recognized among proterosuchians: proterosuchids
with a generally more sprawling gait and elongated and low skulls with an overhanging premaxilla,
and the more heavily built erythrosuchids, with a probably less sprawling gait and large,
presumably hypercarnivorous, skulls. The systematics of ?Proterosuchia? was relatively chaotic
throughout most of the twentieth century, but currently there exists consensus regarding the
non-monophyly of proterosuchians and their phylogenetic position outside all other archosauriforms.
In contrast, the delimitation and taxonomic content of Proterosuchidae and Erythrosuchidae
remain unstable. Few studies of proterosuchian palaeobiology have been carried out. Current lines
of evidence favour a predominantly terrestrial lifestyle for proterosuchians. Limb bone histology
indicates rapid continuous growth rates in Proterosuchus and Erythrosuchus before reaching
sexual maturity. A better knowledge of proterosuchian anatomy, systematics, evolution and
ecology is important for advancing understanding of the origin and early radiation of Archosauriformes
and the patterns of biotic recovery following the Permo-Triassic mass extinction event.
There remains much research to be carried out in proterosuchian palaeobiology.