Basal sauropodomorph locomotion: ichnological lessons from the Late Triassic trackways of bipeds and quadrupeds (Elliot Formation, main Karoo Basin).

ABSTRACT: Using modern ichnological and stratigraphic tools, we reinvestigate two iconic sauropodomorph-attributed tetradactyl ichnogenera, Pseudotetrasauropus and Tetrasauropus, and their stratigraphic occurrences in the middle Upper Triassic of Lesotho. These tracks have been reaffirmed and are stratigraphically well-constrained to the lower Elliot Formation (Stormberg Group, Karoo Basin) with a maximum depositional age range of <219-209 Ma (Norian). This represents the earliest record of basal sauropodomorph trackways in Gondwana, if not globally. Track and trackway morphology, the sedimentary context of the tracks, and unique features (e.g., drag traces) have enabled us to discuss the likely limb postures and gaits of the trackmakers. Pseudotetrasauropus has bipedal (

SUBMITTER: Sciscio L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10542822 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature