The Early Permian Ascendonanus assemblage
There are five specimens from the same pit
that were assigned to the varanid taxon Ascendonanus. Spindler et al. 2018 thought they were all conspecific.
Given their distinct proportions
(Fig. 1) and the phylogenetic differences recovered in 2 of the 5 so far (earlier one nested as a basal iguanid), we’re going to need some new generic names for at least one of the referred specimens. The others have not yet been tested in the large reptile tree (LRT, 1179 taxa).
The holotype
remains Ascendonanus, but here it’s no longer a varanopid synapsid. Here it nests as a derived prodiapsid and the basalmost tested diapsid (Fig. 2), a little younger than the oldest diapsid, Petrolacosaurus.
Some of these specimens
(Fig. 1) have an occiput/acetabulum length distinct from the others, ranging from 3x to 5x the skull length, the first clue to their distinct morphologies.
Spindler et al. 2018
did not include several taxa typically included in pelycosaur studies and should not have included any caseasaurs, despite their traditional inclusion. Spindler et al. did not include any diapsids nor did they understand the role of the former varanopids now nesting as ancestors to the Diapsida (sans Lepidosauriformes).
The holotype 0924 specimen has more of a varanopid skull
than the 1045 specimen we looked at earlier. Prodiapsid sisters include varanopids ancestral to synapsids. Prodiapsids, as their name suggests, are late-surviving ancestors to diapsids like the coeval Araeoscelis (Early Permian) and the earlier Spinoaequalis (Late Carboniferous).
Not sure yet
where the other three specimens assigned to Ascendonanus nest. Enough muck stirred for the moment.
References
Rößler R, Zierold T, Feng Z, Kretzschmar R, Merbitz M, Annacker V and Schneider JW 2012. A snapshot of an early Permian ecosystem preserved by explosive volcanism:
New results from the Chemnitz Petrified Forest, Germany. PALAIOS, 2012, v. 27, p. 814–834.
Spindler F, Werneburg R, Schneider JW, Luthardt L, Annacker V and Räler R 2018. First arboreal ‘pelycosaurs’ (Synapsida: Varanopidae) from the early Permian Chemnitz Fossil Lagerstätte, SE Germany, with a review of varanopid phylogeny. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-018-0405-9
Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2018/03/20/the-early-permian-ascendonanus-assemblage/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes:
Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules. Today Be 100% Satisfied Or Receive A Full Money Back Guarantee Order Yours Today By Following This Link.