Glyptops (Testudines, Pleurosternidae) from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, New Mexico

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Andrew B. Heckert Ph.D., Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: We document an incomplete turtle carapace and plastron from the Peterson quarry in the Brushy Basin Member of the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, Bernalillo County, New Mexico. This is the first non-dinosaurian vertebrate from the Peterson quarry and the first Morrison Formation turtle from New Mexico. This specimen has the following combination of characteristics that supports its assignment to Glyptops plicatulus (Cope): low and oval carapace, surface ornamentation of small tubercles and raised ridges, peripherals not scalloped, no plastral fontanelles and mesoplastra meet at midline. The Glyptops record from New Mexico extends its distribution southward, almost to the southern edge of the Morrison depositional system and suggests that the turtles were part of one homogeneous Morrison vertebrate fauna. Glyptops has traditionally been reconstructed as an aquatic turtle, but a careful functional morphological analysis of Glyptops, particularly based on its limb proportions, is needed to verify its habitus.

Additional Information

Publication
Lucas, S.G., Rinehart, L.F., and Heckert, A.B., (2006) Glyptops (Testudines, Pleurosternidae) from the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation, New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin, v. 36, p. 97-99. (ISSN 1524-4156) Archived in NC DOCKS with permission of the editor. The version of record is available at: http://econtent.unm.edu/
Language: English
Date: 2006

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