[dinosaur] Theropod limb lengthening + Vitakrisaurus + titanosaurs + more (free pdfs)

Ben Creisler
[email protected]

Some recent papers with free pdfs:


T. Alexander Dececchi, Aleksandra Mloszewska, Hans Larsson, Thomas R Holtz
Jr. & Michael Bruce Habib (2019)
The fast and the frugal: Divergent locomotory strategies drive limb
lengthening in theropod dinosaurs
bioRxiv (preprint)
doi: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__doi.org_10.1101_785238&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=mGM3ewpp3HNKvxc83eGZmW8WArCmgSvCpkWDmmpt9z0&e= 
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.biorxiv.org_content_10.1101_785238v1.abstract-3F-253Fcollection-3D&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=HwNIbtJk9A_9LZq8Nd-zsmBnuKpryydvw1ODfuLk5AI&e= 
Free pdf:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.biorxiv.org_content_early_2019_09_27_785238.full.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=k71b0M_unKRY4VHoZJaUqAhqS8WCLpSkoNIdty2oeRQ&e= 



Limb length, cursoriality and speed have long been areas of significant
interest in theropod paleobiology as locomotory capacity, especially
running ability, is critical in not just in prey pursuit but also to avoid
become prey oneself. One aspect that is traditionally overlooked is the
impact of allometry on running ability and the limiting effect of large
body size. Since several different non-avian theropod lineages have each
independently evolved body sizes greater than any known terrestrial
carnivorous mammal, ~1000kg or more, the effect that such larger mass has
on movement ability and energetics is an area with significant implications
for Mesozoic paleoecology. Here using expansive datasets, incorporating
several different metrics to estimate body size, limb length and running
speed,  to calculate the effects of  allometry  running We test both on
traditional metrics used to evaluate cursoriality in non-avian theropods
such as distal limb length, relative hindlimb length as well as comparing
the energetic cost savings of relative hindlimb elongation between members
of the Tyrannosauridae and more basal megacarnivores such as Allosauroids
or Ceratosauridae.  We find that once the limiting effects of body size
increase is incorporated, no commonly used metric including the newly
suggested distal limb index (Tibia + Metatarsus/ Femur length) shows a
significant correlation to top speed. The data also shows a significant
split between large and small bodied theropods in terms of maximizing
running potential suggesting two distinct strategies for promoting limb
elongation based on the organisms’ size. For small and medium sized
theropods increased leg length seems to correlate with a desire to increase
top speed while amongst larger taxa it corresponds more closely to
energetic efficiency and reducing foraging costs.  We also find, using 3D
volumetric mass estimates, that the Tyrannosauridae show significant cost
of transport savings compared to more basal clades, indicating reduced
energy expenditures during foraging and likely reduced need for hunting
forays. This suggests that amongst theropods while no one strategy dictated
hindlimb evolution. Amongst smaller bodied taxa the competing pressures of
being both a predator and a prey item dominant while larger ones, freed
from predation pressure, seek to maximize foraging ability. We also discuss
the implications both for interactions amongst specific clades and Mesozoic
paleobiology and paleoecological reconstructions as a whole.

=====

Some short conference papers more like expanded abstracts rather than full
articles.


Malkani has also recently posted additional material on pterosaurs and
dinosaurs up on Research Gate that I sorting through. I'm not sure if they
count as formally published (although they have doi designations) and they
may appear elsewhere at some point. I will do a post about that material
when I can.

*****

Muhammad Sadiq Malkani (2019)
Vitakrisaurus saraiki Theropod from South Asia.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 643-645
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910063
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95289&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=UWkYtQsEjb4lc3ZkdOJ2RzjbSNN0cNm83nGnVkeqfWI&e= 
Free pdf:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_pdf_OJG-5F2019092316001486.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=Mh1jlmGbwZVm2mQykd3MO4tHIfDYwWOfPwibuePRs28&e= 

Vitakrisaurus saraiki abelisauroid theropod dinosaurs reported from
Pakistan and extended distribution into India. Vitakrisaurus saraiki is
medium to large sized theropod which is represented by associated vertebral
and limb elements and especially hand elements. Out of 14 small to large
bodied theropods from Indo-Pakistan subcontinent, only less than half of
these are restricted to some common elements. Vitakrisaurus saraiki
theropod of Pakistan is based on associated vertebral and limb elements
especially hand including articulated carpals, metacarpals, phalanges and
claws which are significant for Gondwanan paleobiogeographic link,
comparisons and systematic.


====

Muhammad Sadiq Malkani (2019)
Large Titanosaur from Indo-Pakistan Peninsula.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 635-638
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910061
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95286&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=Buwow0wJBfmtTvEpMK0QJAFjwO0k5oNcadulcn4Siiw&e= 
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_pdf_OJG-5F2019092315520771.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=wJ-I6O713FbCKnzQSfn8nSxi2sRZHJzyDTONg6LuMXA&e= 


Indo-Pakistan subcontinent is lucky to host the smallest, medium and large
sized titanosaurian sauropod dinosaurs. Saraikimasoom is the smallest
sized, and Gspsaurus is the medium sized transversely stocky, Pakisaurus
and Isisaurus are the large sized titanosaurs of South Asia. Pakisaurus
balochistani is a slender type of pakisaurid titanosaurian based on
associated vertebral and appendicular skeletons. Pakisaurus balochistani
includes key elements like transversely thin or narrow tibia and ventrally
not reduced tall caudal vertebrae, along with other elements which are
significant for cladistic analysis.

===

Muhammad Sadiq Malkani (2019)
Medium Sized Stocky Titanosaur from South Asia.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 631-634
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910060
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95285&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=mzOxQ-Pt6LyW7JK5yOxJGL88g97jBcP2X1JXLXZAoNk&e= 

Recently, four coexisted titanosaurs from latest Maastrichtian Vitakri
Lameta Formation of Indo-Pakistan are recognized as Isisaurus and
Pakisaurus of large-sized slender pakisaurids, Saraikimasoom and Gspsaurus
of the smallest and medium sized transversely stocky gspsaurids. Gspsaurus
pakistani based on associated skull (with conical teeth tapering gradually
from base to tip), vertebral and appendicular elements found from Alam 19
locality of Vitakri area, Barkhan district, Balochistan, Pakistan, South
Asia. Gspsaurus bears sufficient skeletal elements and can be used for
evolutionary studies.
===

Muhammad Sadiq Malkani (2019)
Smallest Titanosaur from Indo-Pakistan Landmass.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 627-630
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910059
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95282&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=BjMvKyWZH76GP7azKBnxM8OJxKeaEhz4U_BHsjAtwyk&e= 
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_pdf_OJG-5F2019092315433230.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=Mn252HjbpIg1ajfAYkGBA_wtn6fBq98rsUF0VSRo9i4&e= 

Almost complete skulls of most derived titanosaurs which provide complete
teeth row are rare. Saraikimasoom vitakri is the smallest sized, the most
derived titanosaurian sauropod based on very small sized 15 - 18 cm long
and 7 - 9 cm high partial skull. Dorsal profile of skull inclined 40°
anteriorly. It provides full teeth row with dental formula 4, 13/9-13.
Saraikimasoom is the smallest titanosaur so far found from Indo-Pakistan
subcontinent. Its height is about 2 meter, length 8 - 10 meter and weight
about 5 tons. Saraikimasoom vitakri shows Gondwanan paleobiogeographic link
with some endemic elements.

=====

Muhammad Sadiq Malkani (2019)
Induszalim bala Mesoeucrocodile from Pakistan.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 623-626
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910058
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95281&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=T8hK2dARmQAnrnSW6kXx6lcjTTbcMJrQJzPO-L0FlO0&e= 
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_pdf_OJG-5F2019092315395635.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=y9oE-HHKmozuOG3L30SuZHT1nqmXDoM-VHqajKSqP20&e= 


Induszalim bala is the first diagnostic mesoeucrocodile from Indo-Pakistan
subcontinent having rostrum articulated with dentary symphysis and
associated vertebrae and limb bones and provides facility for comparison
with other mesoeucrocodiles. Induszalim is a medium to large sized
mesoeucrocodile found in the latest Maastrichtian Vitakri Lameta Formation
of Fort Munro Group just below Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary line.
Induszalim has sufficient skeletal elements and can be used for
phylogenetic studies. Induszalim shows Gondwanan paleobiogeographic
affinity with some endemic elements.

====

Yongqing Liu, Hongwei Kuang, Kemin Xu, Zhenguo Ning, Nan Peng, Shengxian Du
& Jun Chen (2019)
Cretaceous Stratigraphy, Paleoenvironment and Terrestrial Biota in Shandong
Province.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 650-653
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910065.
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95292&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=Ip5zV8vvPsAhxNCveU56CYR7Wr43wgDtaWOUKBvEDhA&e= 
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_pdf_OJG-5F2019092316111105.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=9nSC3NXUc1xIcDEeRHu7CNp-2X-QhxX0QxnHsU7UuCw&e= 

The terrestrial upper Jurassic-Cretaceous (upper and lower)-Cenozoic
stratigraphic succession developed continuously in Shandong province. There
are intact and continuous terrestrial paleoecosystems dominated by
dinosaurs, including five vertebrate fauna (bone fossil assemblages) beds
from the bottom to top in the Cretaceous successions of Shandong Province.
There are multiple vertebrate footprints (group) bearing beds in the
transition period between Jurassic-Cretaceous and Early Cretaceous, and
multiple large-scale dinosaur burial bone beds in Late Cretaceous. In
recent years, it has also been found that extraterrestrial impact
geological event may occur in the K/Pg transition over a hundred meters
(siliceous pellet and gamma element anomalies, etc.). Shandong has a
well-developed terrestrial Cretaceous succession with perfect information
on paleoenvironment and paleoecology, which is an ideal area to explore the
co-evolutionary relationship between terrestrial biota and paleoenvironment.

===

Dhananjay M. Mohabey &  Bandana Samant (2019)
Cretaceous-Paleogene Transition of Reptilian Tetrapods across Deccan
Volcanism in India.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 639-642
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910062
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95287&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=KmTOBqjQ69gzl2rjSNvMH9g7_SG3XotznvJg_dJWwlM&e= 
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_pdf_OJG-5F2019092315561402.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=QB_4JHXISrK3Nyql7XLK7UpHvr-LsB8pGCmx2Xldb_I&e= 

Eruptions of lava flows of Deccan large igneous province straddled the
Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary (K-Pg). Sediments associated at different
stratigraphic levels within the lava piles of Deccan volcanic sequences
(DVS) are mainly terrestrial. We studied the sediments of Eastern and
Central Deccan Volcanic Province, and the Malwa Plateau for tracking
changes in reptilian tetrapods across the volcanism. The reptiles are
mainly represented by abelisaurid-titanosaurid dinosaurs, Alethinophidia
madtsoiia snakes, Notosuchian crocodylomorph Simosuchus, bothremydid
Kurmademydinae turtles and Anguimorph and Scincomorphs lizards. The
evidences suggest that the non-avian dinosaurs were adversely affected by
the arrival of the first volcanic flows locally in the province either
within C30N or C29R Maastrichtian. The abelisaurid theropods became extinct
whereas a single or two species of titanosauriforme dinosaurs survived but
eventually became extinct at least 350 ky before the K-Pg boundary with
increasing volcanism. The madtsooid snakes and crocodylimorphs were also
adversely affected with decline in their diversity and abundance, whereas
the Bothremydid turtles survived the initial onslaught of Deccan volcanism
and continued across the K-Pg boundary.

=====

Phornphen Chanthasit, Suravech Suteethorn, Wilailak Naksri, Haiyan Tong,
Kamonlak Wongko, Teppei Sonoda (2019)
New Vertebrate Fossil Site from the Early Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation,
Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand.
Open Journal of Geology 9(10): 619-622
DOI: 10.4236/ojg.2019.910057
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_journal_paperabs.aspx-3Fpaperid-3D95278&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=CXIraojnPRK5P-O6kLUlYGJtL9XVZUwSKEjj1yB4ymo&e= 
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.scirp.org_pdf_OJG-5F2019092315322908.pdf&d=DwIFaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=Ry_mO4IFaUmGof_Yl9MyZgecRCKHn5g4z1CYJgFW9SI&m=o8-zIWdwHTwiuUxtZb9ojX9IZRw-AVse_ynCRhu0RL8&s=boJSaxr35ppdC_x2decxW037gdWIe2B49qon7omPZ9I&e= 

A new vertebrate fossil site, "Phu Sung" in Sakon Nakhon Province was
discovered. Various vertebrate fossils belonging to fresh water shark, bony
fish, turtle, crocodile and dinosaur were found in reddish silty mudstone
of the Early Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation of the Khorat Group. Crocodilian
remains including a complete skull and partial articulated skeleton are
very well preserved associated with turtle remains. Moreover, well
preserved 19 turtle shells were found accumulated together. These
discoveries will certainly fulfill our knowledge about these aquatic taxa
from the Early Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation. The exceptional preservation
of Phu Sung fossils could probably relate to the paleoenvironment in the
Early Cretaceous of Thailand.

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