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  • 1Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Ambientales de La Pampa (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de La Pampa), Mendoza 109, 6300, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina. rmelchor@exactas.unlpam.edu.ar.

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Fossil tetrapod burrows from Cretaceous Patagonia reveal ancient lizard activity. These rare burrows, preserved in volcanic ash, offer insights into early reptile paleoecology and paleoenvironments.

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Area of Science:

  • Paleontology
  • Sedimentology
  • Paleoecology

Background:

  • Tetrapod burrows are rarely found in Cretaceous rocks, likely due to equable climates.
  • Cretaceous Patagonia provides a unique site for studying fossil burrows.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze Cretaceous tetrapod burrows from Patagonia to understand their paleoecology and paleoenvironment.
  • To identify the producers of these burrows and their ecological context.

Main Methods:

  • Geological analysis of pyroclastic rocks (eolian dunes, ash-fall deposits).
  • Ichnological study of fossil burrow casts (Reniformichnus katikatii).
  • Comparative analysis with modern lizard burrows.

Main Results:

  • Identified fossil burrows (Reniformichnus katikatii) in pyroclastic deposits (118-115 Ma).
  • Burrow morphology suggests producers were small lepidosaurs (50-323 g), likely an eilenodontine sphenodontian.
  • Burrowing occurred in soils with diverse flora and fauna, under stressful conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Tetrapod burrow rarity in the Cretaceous is linked to volcanic ash and semiarid climates.
  • Sphenodontians were fossorial, inhabiting soils alongside other organisms.
  • These findings enhance understanding of Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems and reptile behavior.