Taxonomia do género Endothiodon moçambicano: coexistência do Endothiodon bathystoma, Endothiodon mahalanobisi e do Endothiodon tolani no graben de Metangula, na província de Niassa

Abstract

Endothiodon stands out as the most studied genus of vertebrate fossils in the Metangula Graben basin. These studies not only provide an in-depth understanding of this genus itself, but also allow correlations to be established between all the basins in which it is found. Within the scope of this scientific project, the main objective is to discuss the taxonomy of the genus Endothiodon, characterized by having more than seven post-canine teeth, which distinguishes it from the dicynodonts. To achieve this objective, an anatomical description and taxonomic identification were carried out, using eight specimens collected in the Metangula Graben in the K5c and K6a1 Formations. The specimens PPM2019-22Z, PPM2019-59R, PPM2019-60R-I and PPM2019-60R-II correspond only to mandibles and the specimens PPN2014-42 and PPM2019-110R correspond to skulls with their respective mandibles disarticulated. Mechanical preparation of all specimens was carried out at the Palaeontology Laboratory of Mozambique, to remove the matrix that covered them. The specimens PPN2014-42 and PPM2019-110R were also subjected to chemical preparation in order to provide complete removal of the rock. The anatomical description of the specimens was then continued, in which a comparative analysis was made, focusing on the shape, texture, relief, processes, anatomical structures and contacts between bones. Therefore, specimens PPN2014-42 and PPM2019-110R were classified as E. mahalanobisi because they presented four nasal ridges directed parallel to each other, absence of prefrontal bosses, elliptical pineal foramen, absence of boss or ridges surrounding the pineal foramen, absence of canine fangs, absence of the caniniform process, presence of the lateral palatine foramen, a row of teeth in the maxilla, triangular-shaped teeth, a row of teeth in their mandibles, thin mandibular symphysis, narrow postdental groove lateral to the row of teeth and postcanine teeth in their palate. However, the species was not assigned to the specimens PPM2019-22Z, PPM2019-59R, PPM2019-60R-I and PPM2019-60R-II because they had non-distinctive characters such as triangular teeth, narrow and robust mandibular symphysis, and post-dental groove lateral to the tooth row. These specimens were only assigned the taxonomic designation Endothiodon sp (TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)