Early Triassic mastodonsaurids (Temnospondyli,Stereospondyli) from Western Australia,with remarks on mastodonsauroid palaeobiogeography |
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Authors: | Ross J Damiani |
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Institution: | 1. Vertebrate Palaeontology Laboratory, Department of Zoology , La Trobe University , Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia E-mail: 106ross@cosmos.wits.ac.za;2. Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research , University of the Witwatersrand , Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, South Africa |
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Abstract: | A newly discovered partial skull of a temnospondyl from the Early Triassic Blina Shale of the Erskine Range, Western Australia, is referred to the mastodonsaurid species Watsonisuchus aliciae. A partial skull described as ‘Parotosuchus’ sp. by Warren (1980) is also referred to W. aliciae. Both taxonomic assignments should be treated with caution because of the relatively poor state of preservation of the specimens. W. aliciae is the fourth temnospondyl species to be described from the Blina Shale. The worldwide distribution of mastodonsauroids at the base of the Triassic suggests a rapid phase of radiation and dispersal following the Permo-Triassic extinction event. |
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Keywords: | mastodonsaurids Watsonisuchus aliciae Early Triassic Blina Shale Western Australia palaeobiogeography |
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