The first definite record of a Valanginian ichthyosaur and its implications on the evolution of post-Liassic Ichthyosauria |
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| Authors: | V Fischer A ClémentM Guiomar P Godefroit |
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| Institution: | a Département de Paléontologie, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 29 Rue Vautier, 1000 Brussels, Belgiumb Département de Géologie, Centre de Geosciences, Université de Liège, B-18, Allée du 6 Août, Liège, Belgiumc 5b Rue de Camargue, La Cigalière, 05000 Gap, Franced Réserve naturelle géologique de Haute Provence, 10 montée Bernard Dellacasagrande, 04005 Digne-les-bains, France |
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| Abstract: | A complete ichthyosaur rostrum, with 124 associated teeth, was recently discovered in Laux-Montaux locality, department of Drôme, southeastern France. The associated belemnites and ammonites indicate a late Valanginian age (Neocomites peregrinus Zone, Olcostephanus nicklesi Subzone) for this fossil, which consequently represents the first diagnostic ichthyosaur ever reported from Valanginian strata. This specimen also represents the first occurrence of Aegirosaurus outside the Tithonian (Upper Jurassic) lithographic limestones of Bavaria (southern Germany). Tooth morphology and wear pattern suggest that Aegirosaurus belonged to the “Pierce II/ Generalist” feeding guild, which was hitherto not represented in post-Liassic ichthyosaurs. Most Late Jurassic ichthyosaurs actually crossed the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary. |
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| Keywords: | Ichthyosauria Aegirosaurus Valanginian Southeastern France Vocontian Basin Feeding guilds Jurassic-Cretaceous extinction |
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