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 the genus itself, but also allows us to establish correlations between all the basins in which it is found. As part of this scientific project, the main objective is to discuss the taxonomy of the genus Endothiodon, which is characterised by having more than seven post-canine teeth, which distinguishes it from the dicynodonts. To achieve this objective, an anatomical description and taxonomic identification was carried out using eight specimens collected in the Metangula Graben in the K5c and K6a1 Formation. The specimens PPM2019-22Z, PPM2019-59R, PPM2019-60R-I and PPM2019-60R-II correspond only to jaws and to mandibles only and specimens PPN2014-42 and PPM2019-110R to skulls with their respective disarticulated mandibles. The mechanical preparation of all was carried out at the Mozambique Palaeontology Laboratory to remove the matrix that covered them. covered. The PPN2014-42 and PPM2019-110R specimens were also subjected to chemical preparation in order to completely remove the rock. Anatomical then proceeded with the anatomical description of the specimens, in which a comparative analysis was made, focussing on shape, texture, relief, processes, anatomical structures and contacts between bones. As such, specimens PPN2014-42 and PPM2019-110R were categorised as part of the species E. TRADUÇÃO NOSSA.