A fossil-rich site in Cromhall Quarry, South Gloucestershire, has led to the identification of a new Triassic reptile species, Threordatoth chasmatosThis discovery adds to the extensive catalogue of prehistoric life unearth at the location, known for its remnants of ancient reptiles and early lizards.
The species belong to the procolophonids, a group of lizard-like creatures that thrive during the Triassic period before facing extinction.
The findings of the study were publish in the journal Papers in Palaeontology.
The lead researcher, Dr. Luke Meade of the University of Birmingham, reveal to Natural History Museum that the reptile likely bore a resemblance to modern horn lizards, possessing bony spikes on its head and possibly body armour.
Only partial jaw fossils have recover, yet they offer valuable insight into the evolution and dietary adaptations of the procolophonids.
According to Dr. Marc Jones, Curator of Fossil Reptiles at the Natural History Museum, the preservation of these animals’ delicate bones remains rare, with teeth and jaw fragments often the only remnants available.
Dr. Marc Jones said to Phys.org that such fossils are crucial for piecing together the lifestyles and ecological roles of these reptiles.
Examination of the Threordatoth fossils, scatter across several UK institutions, reveal distinctive features.
Dr. Marc Jones said that the jaw’s unfuse structure, potentially held by ligaments, might have enable enhance chewing efficiency and shock absorption.
Also, its dentition set the species apart, with just four tri-pointed teeth on either jaw side an unprecedent configuration among its relatives.
The species name, derive from Old English, underscores the rarity of its dental adaptations.
Researchers believe that this trait reflects a specialise diet, likely including plants, as procolophonids evolve towards herbivory during the Late Triassic.
The Cromhall site remains a treasure trove for paleontologists.
Dr. Marc Jones emphasise in a statement that further investigations of its fissure fills can uncover more species, enhancing understanding of the Triassic ecosystem.
Meticulous efforts to sift through this material are expect to yield new discoveries, shedding light on the diversity and evolutionary trajectory of early reptiles.
