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Re-evaluation of the cranial osteology and phylogenetic position of the early crocodyliform Eopneumatosuchus colberti, with an emphasis on its endocranial anatomy Project ID: 000365433 Public
3 Media · 1 Specimen · Creator: Melstrom, Keegan · Managed by: Keegan Melstrom

Eopneumatosuchus colberti Crompton and Smith 1980, known from a single partial skull, is an enigmatic crocodylomorph from the Lower Jurassic Kayenta Formation. In spite of its unique morphology, an exceptionally pneumatic braincase, and presence during a critical time period of crocodylomorph evolution, relatively little is known about this taxon. Here, we re-describe the external cranial morphology of E. colberti, present novel information on endocranial anatomy, evaluate its phylogenetic position among early crocodylomorphs, and seek to better characterize its ecology. Our examination clarifies key aspects of cranial suture paths and braincase anatomy. Comparisons with related taxa (e.g., Protosuchus haughtoni) demonstrate that extreme pneumaticity of the braincase may be more widespread in protosuchids than previously appreciated. CT scans reveal an endocranial morphology that resembles that of other early crocodylomorphs, in particular the non-crocodyliform crocodylomorph Almadasuchus figarii. There are, however, key differences in olfactory bulb and cerebral hemisphere morphology, which demonstrate the endocranium of crocodylomorphs is not as conserved as previously hypothesized. Our phylogenetic analysis recovers E. colberti as a close relative of Protosuchus richardsoni and Edentosuchus tienshanensis, contrasting with previous hypotheses of a sister group relationship with Thalattosuchia. Previous work suggested the inner ear has some similarities to semi-aquatic crocodyliforms, but the phylogenetic placement of E. colberti among protosuchids with a terrestrial postcranial skeletal morphology complicates paleoecological interpretation.

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  ID Part Object Taxonomy Type Date Added Publication Status  
000365539 Endocast mna:v:2460 Eopneumatosuchus colberti Mesh 2021-06-01 Open Download  
000365535 Cranium mna:v:2460 Eopneumatosuchus colberti Mesh 2021-06-01 Open Download  
000365516 Skull mna:v:2460 Eopneumatosuchus colberti Volumetric Image Series 2021-06-01 Restricted Download  
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