Exceptional crocodylomorph biodiversity of “La Cantalera” site (Lower barremian; lower cretaceous) in Teruel, Spain

Puértolas-Pascual, E. (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Rabal-Garcés, R. ; Canudo, J.I. (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: The palaeontological site of La Cantalera in Teruel, Spain (Blesa Formation, Lower Cretaceous) can be characterized as the site with the greatest biodiversity of vertebrates (32 taxa) from the lower Barremian of the Iberian Peninsula. Remains of amphibians, lizards, turtles, crocodiles, pterosaurs, dinosaurs and mammals have been recovered. The most common taxa are crocodylomorphs, and their most abundant remains are small isolated teeth. Six morphotypes have been identified, which may correspond to at least four different sympatric crocodylomorph taxa. This site presents a similar assemblage to other European Lower Cretaceous sites, with morphotypes that may correspond to the families Goniopholididae, Bernissartiidae, Atoposauridae and multiple ziphodont crocodylomorphs. The crocodylomorph assemblage of La Cantalera is characterized by the absence of large individuals and presents a wide variety of dental morphologies adapted to diets ranging from generalist to highly specialized. This rich biodiversity could be due to concentration of vertebrates into restricted flooded areas during dry seasons within a marsh ecosystem. Furthermore, La Cantalera could also be close to a nesting area, which would explain the abundance of small-sized individuals and the presence of fossil crocodiloid eggshells.

Idioma: Inglés

Año: 2015

Publicado en: PALAEONTOLOGIA ELECTRONICA 18, 2 (2015), [16 pp]
ISSN: 1935-3952

Factor impacto JCR: 1.234 (2015)

Categ. JCR: PALEONTOLOGY rank: 30 / 54 = 0.556 (2015) - Q3 - T2

Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 0.837 - Oceanography (Q2)

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Paleontología (Dpto. Ciencias de la Tierra)