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Mesozoic dinosaurs from Brazil and their biogeographic implications
Jonathas S Bittencourt1, Max C Langer
1Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Comparada, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes 3900, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias
|March 26, 2011
Summary
Brazilian dinosaur fossils are primarily from the Triassic and Cretaceous periods, with most specimens being isolated teeth and vertebrae. Jurassic dinosaur fossils remain undiscovered, and ornithischian evidence is scarce.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Mesozoic Era
- Vertebrate Paleontology
Background:
- The Brazilian Mesozoic dinosaur fossil record is geographically and temporally restricted.
- Most known dinosaur remains in Brazil consist of isolated teeth and vertebrae.
- Jurassic dinosaur body-fossils and evidence of ornithischians are notably absent or limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the current state of knowledge regarding dinosaur body-fossils and trace fossils in Brazil.
- To analyze the composition and distribution of Brazilian dinosaur faunas throughout the Mesozoic.
- To compare Brazilian dinosaur assemblages with those from other Gondwanan regions.
Main Methods:
- Compilation and analysis of published data on Brazilian dinosaur fossils.
- Review of identified dinosaur species, supraspecific taxa, and footprint records.
- Comparative analysis of Brazilian dinosaur faunas with global Mesozoic assemblages.
Main Results:
- The Brazilian Mesozoic dinosaur fossil record is limited to the Triassic and Cretaceous periods, comprising 19 valid dinosaur species and additional fragmentary taxa.
- Most Brazilian dinosaur specimens are isolated teeth and vertebrae; Jurassic fossils are absent, and ornithischian evidence is scarce.
- Brazilian dinosaur faunas show correlations with other Gondwanan regions, with distinct similarities to Argentina, North Africa, Madagascar, and Indo-Pakistan during specific Mesozoic intervals.
Conclusions:
- The Brazilian dinosaur fossil record, though growing, presents gaps in the Jurassic and for specific groups like ornithischians.
- Brazilian dinosaur faunas exhibit biogeographical connections with Gondwana, particularly with South America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
- Ongoing fieldwork is crucial for expanding our understanding of dinosaur diversity and distribution in Brazil.
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