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Assessing ontogenetic maturity in extinct saurian reptiles.

Christopher T Griffin1, Michelle R Stocker1, Caitlin Colleary1,2

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Summary

Assessing maturity in saurian reptiles is challenging due to inconsistent methods and terminology. This study reviews current practices, offering standardized approaches for clearer evolutionary and palaeobiological insights.

Keywords:
developmentgrowthhistologymaturitymorphologyontogenetic seriesontogenyreptilesauria

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Area of Science:

  • Vertebrate palaeontology
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Reptile anatomy

Background:

  • Morphological interpretation is fundamental to identifying taxa and forming evolutionary hypotheses.
  • Assessing maturity in saurian reptiles (Lepidosauria and Archosauria) is difficult due to disparity, ambiguity, and inconsistent terminology.
  • Understanding saurian ontogeny is crucial for studying evolutionary changes, population structure, palaeoecology, and life-history strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically examine how saurian reptile maturity has been diagnosed by compiling and analyzing over 900 literature instances.
  • To review and clarify the inconsistent terminology and methods used in saurian maturity assessment.
  • To provide recommendations for improved clarity, cross-study coherence, and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Compilation of a novel database of >900 literature instances of saurian maturity assessment.
  • Critical review of terminology (e.g., 'juvenile', 'mature') and diagnostic methods across major saurian groups.
  • Integration of data from both extant and extinct taxa to provide a comprehensive overview.

Main Results:

  • Identified significant methodological and terminological ambiguity in current saurian maturity assessments.
  • Documented various methods used across saurian groups, highlighting pitfalls and best practices.
  • Highlighted the need for integrating extant and fossil data for robust maturity assessments.

Conclusions:

  • Recommended adding a standardized 'Ontogenetic Assessment' subsection to systematic palaeontology descriptions.
  • Advocated for using phylogenetic context and multiple, independent lines of evidence for maturity diagnoses.
  • Emphasized the necessity of integrating well-represented growth series from extant taxa with the fossil record.