Original paper
A new and unusual sphenosuchian (Archosauria: Crocodylomorpha) from the Lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation, People's Republic of China
Harris, Jerald D.; Lucas, Spencer G.; Estep, John W.; Li, Jianjun
Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie - Abhandlungen Band 215 Heft 1 (2000), p. 47 - 68
53 references
published: Jan 10, 2000
DOI: 10.1127/njgpa/215/2000/47
ArtNo. ESP155021501002, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
We name and describe a new sphenosuchian, Phyllodontosuchus lufengensis, from the Lower Jurassic dark red beds of the Lufeng Formation near Dawa, Yunnan Province. The taxon differs from other sphenosuchians in possessing a markedly heterodont dentition, with six recurved, pointed teeth at the rostral end and at least 12 small, isoform, leaf-shaped (phylloform) teeth with crenelated caudal margins. The discovery of Phyllodontosuchus demonstrates both that heterodonty within the Crocodylomorpha is not restricted to the Notosuchidae and that crocodylomorphs may have deviated from strict carnivory at least twice.
Keywords
Jurassic • sphenosuchian • Dawa • Yunnan Province • sphenosuchians • China