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First jurassic choristodera from Asia
Alexander O Averianov1, Thomas Martin, Susan E Evans
1Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab. 1, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia.
Die Naturwissenschaften
|December 14, 2005
Summary
Fossil discoveries in Kyrgyzstan reveal Middle Jurassic choristoderes, extending their known range in Asia. This finding indicates choristoderes were widespread across Laurasia during the Jurassic period.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Vertebrate Paleontology
- Mesozoic Reptiles
Background:
- Choristoderes are an extinct group of semi-aquatic reptiles.
- Lower Cretaceous choristoderes are well-documented in Asia.
- Jurassic fossil records for choristoderes were previously absent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first Jurassic record of choristoderes in Asia.
- To investigate the early geographic distribution of choristoderes.
Main Methods:
- Description of fragmentary vertebral fossils.
- Stratigraphic analysis of the Balabansai Svita, Kyrgyzstan.
Main Results:
- Identification of fragmentary vertebral material as Choristodera indet.
- Discovery from Middle Jurassic deposits in the Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan.
- Significant range extension for choristoderes in Asia.
Conclusions:
- Choristoderes inhabited Asia during the Middle Jurassic.
- The group possessed a Pan-Laurasian distribution by the Jurassic.