The palate and choanae structure of the Susisuchus anatoceps (Crocodyliformes, Eusuchia): phylogenetic implications.

ABSTRACT: Crocodyliformes is a group with a broad fossil record, in which several morphological changes have been documented. Among known transformations the most iconic is perhaps the series of changes seen in the structural evolution of the choanae. The change in the position of the choanae was important during the evolutionary history of the Crocodyliformes. This structure is relevant in the phylogenetic position of many crocodyliforms. The new skull of Susisuchus anatoceps from the Crato Formation of the Santana Group (Lower Cretaceous) is described and the preservation in the ventral view allows character encoding not yet observed for the species. The new specimen shows a typical eusuchian palate for Susisuchus anatoceps, in which the choana is fully enclosed by the pterygoid. The Susisuchidae

SUBMITTER: Leite KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6089207 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature