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Newsletter - Annals of the Brazilian Academy of SciencesISSUE 49 |
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I am very happy to introduce the present issue of the Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (AABC) which differs from all others I have worked with since my appointment as Editor-in-Chief of this prestigious journal: a Festschrift. Such publications are organized in celebration of a researcher that has achieved a high status in a particular field and is therefore honored by colleagues. That is the case of the geologist and paleontologist Dr. Diogenes de Almeida Campos, who is a Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) and was also a previous editor in Earth Sciences of this journal. A total of 21 original papers involving some 80 researchers from around the globe are presented here: 20 addressing topics in Paleontology and one classified in Geosciences. Among the paleontological contributions, there are discussions about fossils from several regions of the world, including China, Argentina, England, and many areas from North to South of Brazil. Contributions cover several areas of paleontology, from new species of mammals and frogs to dinosaur tracks, variation in dental morphology in crocodylomorphs and parasitological studies of coprolites. Some papers have used techniques as CT-scanning and osteohistological sections, georeferencing, and different approaches to anatomy, making this volume a sort of a proxy of what is happening in the field of paleontology, particularly in the study of fossil vertebrates, the main area where Dr. Campos has acted. There is also an interesting paper on stratotypes from Cretaceous deposits of Minas Gerais (Geosciences). There are also two letters, one discussing the links between Brazil and Africa and the second emphasizing the contributions of Dr. Campos in preservation of the paleontological content of the Araripe Basin, an area that has provided some heated discussions regarding geoconservation. As usual, I would like to remind the reader that since 2000 all articles of the AABC can be accessed free of charge at the SciELO site. Also, please notice that previous editions of the Newsletter are available at the ABC website. Please share this information with your colleagues and students. You are now invited to scroll through the text and click on the title of the article that interests you! Alexander W. A. Kellner |
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GEOSCIENCES |
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1- Description of the stratotype section and proposal of hypostratotype section of the Lower Cretaceous Quiricó formation, São Francisco Basin, BrazilAMANDA M. LEITE & DERMEVAL A. DO CARMOThe Quiricó Formation was described from the banks of the Quiricó creek (type locality), but a stratotype section was not described. The present work presents the description of the stratotype section of the Quiricó Formation and proposal of hypostratotype section, based on the lithologic description and fossiliferous occurrences. The studied sections are located in the Minas Gerais State, Brazil: 1. stratotype section of the Quiricó Formation, by the banks of Quiricó and São José creeks, Presidente Olegário County; 2. hypostratotype section of the Tereza Farm, near the Olhos D'água community, João Pinheiro County. Read here |
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PALEONTOLOGY |
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2- A new record of Tayassuidae (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla) from the Pleistocene of northern Brazil
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3- Re-description of the braincase of the rebbachisaurid sauropod Limaysaurus tessonei and novel endocranial information based on CT scansARIANA PAULINA-CARABAJAL & JORGE O. CALVORebbachisaurids are a family of diplodocoid sauropods found in cretaceous rocks of South America, Europe and Africa. So far, only two specimens (one corresponds to Nigersaurus from Africa and the other to a fragmented braincase from Argentina) provided endocranial information for this group. A CT scan of the complete braincase of the Argentinean Limaysaurus, allowed to study the paleoneurology of this taxon, through the most complete 3D reconstructions of the brain and inner ear for a representative of the family in South America. Read here |
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4- An additional brain endocast of the ictidosaur Riograndia guaibensis (Eucynodontia: Probainognathia): intraspecific variation of endocranial traitsLEONARDO KERBER, JOSÉ D. FERREIRA, PEDRO HENRIQUE M. FONSECA, ARYMATHEIA FRANCO, AGUSTÍN G. MARTINELLI, MARINA B. SOARES & ANA MARIA RIBEIROThe understanding of the neurological evolution of non-mammaliaform cynodonts has increased significantly with computed tomography scanning techniques and virtual reconstructions of endocranial cavities. With such approaches, it is possible to generate virtual models (endocasts) that partially reflect the external morphology of the brain of extinct animals. Recently, a cranial endocast the Late Triassic cynodont Riograndia guaibensis (Candelária Sequence, Rio Grande do Sul) was studied. Here, the endocast of an additional specimen was studied, revealing some features that were not possible to be observed in the first analyzed specimen. Read here |
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5- An early juvenile of Kunpengopterus sinensis (Pterosauria) from the Late Jurassic in ChinaSHUNXING JIANG, XIAOLI WANG, XIAOTING ZHENG, XIN CHENG, JUNQIANG ZHANG & XIAOLIN WANGKunpengopterus sinensis is a species of the family Wukongopteridae, which combines some characters of the short-tailed clade, pterodactyloids, and the long-tailed non-pterodactyloids. Here, we describe the smallest specimen in wukongopterids, an early juvenile of K. sinensis due to the unossified small bones, unfused bones, and grooves on bone surfaces. By Comparing with the other two reported subadult individuals, we have found that the upper and lower jaw grew fastest in the middle portion, and postcranial bones grew in a similar rate except for the tail. Based on these findings, we suggest use pedal features to diagnose in different ontogenetic stages, but some cranial features only can be used in developed individuals. Read here |
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6- Primate diversity in the early Miocene Pinturas Formation, southern Patagonia, ArgentinaNELSON MARTÍN NOVO, MARCELO FABIÁN TEJEDOR, LAUREANO RAÚL GONZÁLEZ-RUIZ, JOHN G. FLEAGLE, DIEGO BRANDONI & MARCELO KRAUSEWe report ten new dental specimens of primates from the early Miocene Pinturas Formation, Patagonia, Argentina. The material includes a left lower canine and left upper canine whose affinities remain to be determined; a mandibular fragment preserving part of the symphysis; right p3-4, indistinguishable from Soriacebus adrianae; a lower molar, probably m2, attributable to S. ameghinorum. A lower molar, and upper molar, resemble Carlocebus carmenensis. Three additional specimens, too damaged for an accurate taxonomic assignment, are tentatively assigned to S. ameghinorum. The specimens here described can be assigned to taxa already known from the Pinturas Formation and provide new morphological information. Read here |
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7- The history, importance and anatomy of the specimen that validated the giant Purussaurus brasiliensis Barbosa Rodrigues 1892 (Crocodylia: Caimaninae)LUCY G. DE SOUZA, KAMILA L.N. BANDEIRA, RODRIGO V. PÊGAS, ARTHUR S. BRUM, RODRIGO MACHADO, EDSON GUILHERME, THIAGO S. LOBODA & JONAS P. DE SOUZA-FILHOThe Solimões Formation is well-known for the Cenozoic giant eusuchian fossils counting with eight Crocodylia species. The alligatoroid Purussaurus brasiliensis is the best known worldwide due to its enormous size, being described in 1892 by Barbosa-Rodrigues. A historical reconstruction of the genus Purussaurus, especially with a new description of the specimen DGM 527-R, which was first described by L. I. Price, is provided, including a review of Purussaurus brasiliensis as a valid species, highlighting the importance of the paleontologist Diogenes de Almeida Campos to the preservation, study availability and divulgation of the specimen. Read here |
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8- A new genus of fossil frog (Anura) from lower Cretaceous deposits in South AmericaPEDRO HENRIQUE A.G. MOURA, FABIANA R. COSTA, LUIZ E. ANELLI & IVAN NUNESRepresenting more than 95% of the diversity of extant frogs, the clade Neobatrachia presents an incomplete fossil record, and these specimens provide valuable clues on the evolution of modern-day amphibians. Until now, five species of fossil neobatrachian frogs were known for the Crato Formation (Cretaceous; Araripe Basin) of northeastern Brazil. Herein, we describe a well-preserved fossil that represents a new neobatrachian frog species from this formation and perform phylogenetic analysis to assess its higher-level relationships. The new specimen is a remarkably preserved hyloid skeleton with soft tissue, highlighting the value of the Crato Formation as a fossiliferous site. Read here |
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9- The first notosuchian crocodyliform from the Araçatuba Formation (Bauru Group, Paraná Basin), and diversification of sphagesauriansANDRÉ EDUARDO P. PINHEIRO, LUCY G. DE SOUZA, KAMILA L.N. BANDEIRA, ARTHUR S. BRUM, PAULO VICTOR LUIZ G.C. PEREIRA, LUÍS OTÁVIO R. DE CASTRO, RENATO R.C. RAMOS & FELIPE M. SIMBRASWe report the first crocodyliform of Araçatuba Formation (Bauru Group, Paraná Basin), Coronelsuchus civali sp. et gen. nov, comprising two specimens from a new locality of Coronel Goulart district (São Paulo state). We perform a phylogenetic analysis with 392 characters (five are new) and 88 taxa, resulting on new clades: Sphagesauria, Sphagesaurinae and Caipirasuchinae, also revealing the new taxon as a basal Sphagesauria. The new species is correlated with small sphagesaurians, Caryonosuchus and itasuchids. The results also indicate an older appearing (pre-Turonian) for the diversification of Sphagesauria, besides expands the stratigraphic range for the notosuchians comprised in Bauru Group. Read here |
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10- Morphological diversity and discrimination tools of the non-marine ostracod Cypridopsis silvestrii across temporal and spatial scales from PatagoniaLORENA Y. RAMOS, ALEJANDRA PATRICIA PÉREZ, CORINA A. COVIAGA, ANTJE SCHWALB, DANIEL ARIZTEGUI, MARTA ALPERIN & GABRIELA C. CUSMINSKYIn this study, valve outline analysis allowed discriminating between morphological similar ostracod taxa (Cypridopsis silvestrii, Riocypris whatleyi juveniles and Eucypris cecryphalium) and provided tools for the correct taxonomic, gender and reproduction mode identification of C. silvestrii. Cypridopsis silvestrii was widely distributed in Patagonia (41 to 51 °S) and showed extensive morphological variability, on the basis of which three morphotypes (acuminated, transitional, subtruncated) were determined. We also discussed the taxonomic, ecological, and biogeographical implications of this morphological variability. Our results help to understanding the causes of the morphological variations and set the ground for more precise paleoenvironmental studies in Patagonia. Read here |
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11- A new derorhynchid (Mammalia, Metatheria) from the early Eocene Itaboraí fauna of Brazil with comments on its affinitiesÉDISON VICENTE OLIVEIRA, LEONARDO M. CARNEIRO & FRANCISCO J. GOINThe work describes a new species of Metatheria, represented by a small dentary containing three preserved molars. This mammal had an estimated body mass between 13 and 20g, being, therefore, a very small animal and, judging by the morphology of the teeth, it fed on insects. It belongs to a family called Derorhynchidae that lived in the Eocene period of South America and Antarctica, approximately 52 million years ago. Considering its antiquity and phylogenetic relationships, this family may represent one of the first groups of metatheres that arrived in Australia, and there gave rise to the marsupials of that continent. Read here |
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12- The first Jurassic theropod from the Sergi Formation, Jatobá Basin, BrazilKAMILA L.N. BANDEIRA, ARTHUR S. BRUM, RODRIGO V. PÊGAS, LUCY G. DE SOUZA, PAULO VICTOR LUIZ G.C. PEREIRA & ANDRÉ EDUARDO P. PINHEIROJurassic archosaur osteological remains are quite rare in Brazil, especially dinosaurs. Here, we present MCT 2670-LE, the first theropod caudal vertebra from the Jurassic of Brazil, coming from the Sergi Formation. Although incomplete, MCT 2670-LE is assigned to the Carcharodontosauria based on the combination of an hourglass shaped centrum and a deep and narrow ventral groove. This referral is corroborated by our phylogenetic analysis and consistent with further morphometric analyses. The specimen provides new data for the paleobiogeographic distribution of carcharodontosaurians before the South America-Africa break-up, and the understanding of the theropod faunal turnover during the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition in Brazil. Read here |
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13- Shell and long-bone histology, skeletochronology, and lifestyle of Araripemys barretoi (Testudines: Pleurodira), a side-necked turtle of the Lower Cretaceous from BrazilMARIANA VALÉRIA A. SENA, RENAN ALFREDO M. BANTIM, ANTÔNIO A.F. SARAIVA, JULIANA M. SAYÃO & GUSTAVO R. OLIVEIRAWe investigate the preserved bones tissues of an ancient PancakeTurtle called Araripemys barretoi that lived in what is now northeastern Brazil about 110 millions of years ago. To see the bones’ inner structure, we embedded them in resin and then ground them down into thin sections. Our discoveries tell that these turtles were subadult individuals. Araripemys was a slow swimmer and a skilled diver its thin flat shell shows a massive and compacted internal structure. Read here |
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14- Georeferencing fossiliferous localities from Solimões and Acre Basins (Brazil) - what we know so far about Solimões Formation and future perspectivesMAURO B.S. LACERDA, PEDRO S.R. ROMANO, KAMILA L.N. BANDEIRA & LUCY G. DE SOUZAThe Solimões and Acre basins are complex geological units related to the Andean uplift, covering the Northwestern region of Brazil, being one of the most important units due to their fossil diversity. In order to produce a document that integrates the fossil records, we compiled/georeferenced localities from literature on which tetrapods are described. We recognized 208 localities, documented from several taxonomic groups from the proto-Amazonia. We summarize, for each locality: geographical position, geology, age, and paleodiversity. Most outcrops are located on river banks (~96%), while road cuts represent the remainder (~4%). Most tetrapod are Read here |
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15- Morphological variation in the dentition of Uruguaysuchidae (Crocodyliformes: Notosuchia)RODRIGO G. FIGUEIREDO & ALEXANDER W.A. KELLNERLiving crocodyliforms are semi-aquatic ambush predators that show little variation in dental anatomy. However, fossils from the Cretaceous of Gondwanaland show an incredible disparity in teeth morphology, probably linked with omnivore diets. One of the most speciose and widespread clades is Uruguaysuchidae, which includes the genera Araripesuchus and Uruguaysuchus. We reviewed the dental anatomy of all species, including new and unpublished specimens from the Crato and Romualdo formations, two worldwide famous Lagerstätte from Brazil. Observed patterns in teeth morphology are clearly distinct between species, with important taxonomic and ecological implications for the group, including niche partitioning and diet specializations. Read here |
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16- Intraspecific variation in the axial skeleton of Aetosauroides scagliai (Archosauria: Aetosauria) and its implications for the aetosaur diversity of the Late Triassic of BrazilVOLTAIRE D. PAES-NETO, JULIA BRENDA DESOJO, ANA CAROLINA B. BRUST, CESAR LEANDRO SCHULTZ, ÁTILA AUGUSTO S. DA-ROSA & MARINA B. SOARESAetosaurs comprise an extinct group of armored archosaurs restricted to the Late Triassic. Some of its oldest members are found in Brazil, where three taxa are recognized mainly by differences in their vertebrae: the larger Aetosauroides (also found in Argentina)and the both smaller Aetobarbakinoides and Polesinesuchus. However, newly found Aetosauroides specimens indicate that Polesinesuchus,rather than a distinct species, represents its immature morphology. Histological analysis also supports this hypothesis, as Polesinesuchus is only based in a single juvenile individual. This shrinks the number of small-sized aetosaurs, demonstrating that ontogenetic variation deeply affects our understanding of aetosaur taxonomy and phylogeny. Read here |
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17- A taxonomic approach on diagnostic characters used to define new pterosaur taxa and an estimation of pterosaur diversityDENIS LUIZ FERNANDES, IVAN NUNES & FABIANA R. COSTAHere diagnostic characters from 227 pterosaur species were listed, separated into cranial or post-cranial elements and counted. From 21 post-cranial and 23 cranial elements, most diagnostic characters were related to phalanges (15%) and rostrum. Post-cranial and cranial diagnostic characters comprise 44.23% and 55.77%, respectively. 23.4% of all pterosaur genera are currently known, with 90% to be unveiled up to 2145. As broad and cautious taxonomic revision must be undertaken, and most material is fragmented and incomplete, the assignment of incomplete specimens to the most inclusive taxonomic level is feasible. This can guide future works on pterosaur taxonomy. Read here |
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18- First dinosaur tracks from the Açu Formation, Potiguar Basin (mid-Cretaceous of Brazil)GIUSEPPE LEONARDI, MARIA DE FÁTIMA C.F. DOS SANTOS & FERNANDO HENRIQUE DE S. BARBOSAThe Potiguar Basin is mainly situated in the Rio Grande do Norte State, at the northeast continental margins of Brazil. The basin sank during the Cretaceous, due to the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. Although, the Açu Formation shows arid rocks and cacti, the authors first document the tracks of huge herbivorous dinosaurs of the Cretaceous. These tracks are a novelty. Their discovery make us dream of the mouth of a large river, green pastures, herds of sauropods and ornithopods. Predator tracks have not yet been found yet in this state, but they will appear soon. We will find them! Read here |
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19- Paleoparasitological analysis of a coprolite assigned to a carnivoran mammal from the Upper Pleistocene Touro Passo Formation, Rio Grande do Sul, BrazilDANIEL F.F. CARDIA, REINALDO J. BERTINI, LUCILENE G. CAMOSSI, VIRGÍNIA B. RICHINI-PEREIRA, DEBORA O. LOSNAK, HEITOR FRANCISCHINI & PAULA DENTZIEN-DIASA paleoparasitological analysis was carried out on a coprolite assigned to a carnivoran mammal, from Uruguaiana, Rio Grande do Sul, where the Upper Pleistocene Touro Passo Formation crops out. For this, a coprolite sample was extracted, dissociated, washed, and sifted. The retained sediment was mixed with glycerin and examined by optical microscopy, which revealed protozoan oocysts and nematode eggs. Morphological characteristics of these parasites suggest that they belong to the orders Eucoccidiorida and Strongylida, represented by parasitic species of the alimentary tract of modern carnivore. This is the first record of paleoparasites in a vertebrate from the Touro Passo Formation. Read here |
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20- On the validity of the genus Amblydectes Hooley 1914 (Pterodactyloidea, Anhangueridae) and the presence of Tropeognathinae in the Cambridge GreensandBORJA HOLGADOAmblydectes is a problematic taxon proposed more than a century ago for several pterosaur specimens from the Cambridge Greensand (England). Here is reanalyzed the specimens attributed to Amblydectes, which results confirm its validity as belonging to the clade Tropeognathinae. Amblydectes is proposed as a monospecific genus, whilst one the former attributed species is assigned to a new genus, Draigwenia, which is suggested as a non-anhanguerian lanceodontian taxon of uncertain placement. The presence of a tropeognathine anhanguerid in the Cambridge Greensand supports that anhanguerid diversity was really complex, being the first tropeognathine known so far from Laurasian landmasses. Read here |
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21- Fossil fishes and anurans from the Miocene of Rio Chico and Cerro Zeballos, Chubut Province, Argentina
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All abstracts of the publications were provided by the respective authors. |
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Annals of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences
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