The Jordan theropod (Maastrichtian, Montana, U.S.A.) referred to the genus Aublysodon
Abstract
The Jordan theropod skull is shown to belong to Aublysodon mirandus,, a theropod dinosaur previously known only from isolated teeth. Although the skull is incomplete, it retains numerous primitive characters that set it apart from all other known Late Cretaceous theropods. These features include a long, low muzzle, relatively large teeth, frontals longer than wide, smooth nasals, V-shaped anterior margin of antorbital fossa, premaxillary- maxillary suture acutely inclined, and low angle of symphysis. Aublysodon is characterized by premaxillary teeth D-shaped in cross section and with posteriorly directed carinae, a V-shaped frontoparietal suture, and a peculiar first dentary tooth. It probably possessed small premaxillaries. Aublysodon is an aberrant theropod which at this time is best retained in its own family, the Aublysodontidae.
- Publication:
-
Géobios
- Pub Date:
- 1989
- DOI:
- 10.1016/S0016-6995(89)80098-1
- Bibcode:
- 1989Geobi..22..445M
- Keywords:
-
- Dinosauria (Theropoda);
- Upper Cretaceous;
- Montana;
- Maastrichtian;
- Aublysodontidae