TRIASSIC VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY IN 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: Abstract—The Triassic vertebrate paleontological record of New Mexico includes important assemblages of tetrapod fossils from both the Middle Triassic Moenkopi Formation and the Upper Triassic Chinle Group. The Anton Chico Member of the Moenkopi Formation preserves primarily temnospondyl amphibian body fossils, but the record of reptiles comprises both sparse body fossil assemblages and more abundant track assemblages, mostly of chirotheriid reptiles. A bonebed accumulation of temnospondyls assigned to Eocyclotosaurus appetolatus is particularly notable. The Upper Triassic Chinle Group in New Mexico preserves an array of vertebrate faunal assemblages that represent the entirety of Chinle “time,” and includes numerous bonebeds of Revueltian age as well as the best records of Apachean vertebrates in the American West. These include the characteristic assemblages of the Revueltian and Apachean land-vertebrate faunachrons.

Additional Information

Publication
Lucas, S. G. and Sullivan, R. M., eds. , 2015, Fossil Vertebrates in New Mexico. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science Bulletin 68. New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science
Language: English
Date: 2016

Email this document to