Fossil vertebrate studies in Rhodesia: sphenodontid remains from the upper Trias of Rhodesia

NoneSmall sphenodontid rhynchocephalians are known from the upper Trias in Britain (Robinson, 1973). This paper records for the first time the presence of sphenodontids of very similar age, size, and morphology from the Upper Trias of Rhodesia.Non

The advent of herbivory in certain reptilian lineages during the Triassic

Main articleThe dentitions of several presumed herbivorous Triassic reptiles are described and discussed. Some changes in dentitions with growth suggest that juveniles were insectivorous. The appearance of these forms may have been facilitated by floral changes which took place in the early Triassic.Non

Faunal remains from Hot Pot Cave, Bredasdorp

NoneRecent unconsolidated cave deposits can be useful in providing an understanding of how consolidated fossil cave deposits were formed and are far easier and quicker to analyse. This preliminary study describes an extensive, extremely rich bone accumulation in a horizontal cave system linked to the surface by a single verticaI shaft from the middle of a domed chamber. The cave is in Tertiary marine limestone on the southwestern Cape coast. The fauna has two chief components: a macrofauna resulting from entirely fortuitous introductions such as animals falling down the shaft; and an extensive microfauna accumulated by the barn owl, Tyto alba. Between these two groups there is a very small range of possible overlap. The macrofauna contains a mixture of wild and domestic animals, herbivores and predators with sizes ranging from hare to buffalo. The microfauna is closely packed in a black organic-rich soil of predominantly dust sized particles. A feature of this soil is the vast number of tiny terrestrial snail shells it contains. The deposit represents continuous accumulation over several hundred years at least. Seeds, pollen and carbonised wood are present in the undisturbed deposit so that sequential dating will be possible. By contrast, recognisable insect cuticle is virtually absent though dung beetles, for example, are frequently seen in surface solution cavities and must fall into the cave in fair numbers. Alignment of microfauna! longbones within the deposit is horizontal and parallel to the passage walls, so it is clear that the material was distributed by stream action. Much of the fauna has a wide geographic range, but throughout there are elements either endemic to the southern Cape or indicative of the prevailing vegetation type.Non

The anterior of the palate in Euparkeria

Main articleEwer (1965) has given a careful and comprehensive description of the anatomy of the thecodont Euparkeria, but erred if anything on the side of caution in her preparation of the material. This is a commendable approach, but it has meant that certain details remained unknown. Recently Cruickshank (1970) has redescribed and reinterpreted the braincase as being surprisingly primitive. The present author's current interest lies in the origin of the lizards, and this necessarily implies an interest in Archosaur origins. In this regard an important element of the skull is the vomer; this will become apparent when recently completed work on the Millerosauria is published (Gow 1971). The important feature is the nature and disposition of vomerine teeth. Not surprisingly the vomer is not known in detail in any "Eosuchian" or early lepidosaur, as it usually lies hidden by the symphysis of the lower jaws and in any event requires delicate preparation.Non

On a supposed skin impression of Procolophon

Main articleVan Heerden (1974) described and figured what he took to be an impression of the skin of Procolophon found with a typical assemblage of natural moulds of that animal. The stereophotographs in his Plate 4 seemed, however, to show sutures and the impressions of a few tiny sharp pointed teeth. Examination of the original shows that this is indeed the case. The accompanying explanatory sketch (fig. 1), which may be read in conjunction with Van Heerden's published photographs, shows that the pattern of dermal bones is typically amphibian and quite unlike that of Procolophon, as too are the teeth. The conclusion is reached that the specimen (QR 1597) shows normal bones of the skull and is not a skin impression.Non

An articulated skeleton of a small individual of Diademodon (Therapsida; Cynodontia)

Main articleThis paper records a nearly complete, articulated skeleton of Diademodan in undoubted association with a skull of that animal. Previously, only portions of postcranial skeleton have been found in association with cranial remains of this genus. The skeleton is that of a relatively small (ontogenetically young) individual. Skeletal proportions are tabulated, rib and vertebral differentiation is described and discussed. Diademodon is shown to have had a long tail.Non

Dentition and feeding niche of Endothiodon (Synapsida; Anomodontia).

Main articleThe cranial morphology and extensive dentition of the dicynodont therapsid Endothiodon are different from those of any other dicynodont and it clearly had a different feeding niche. Recently prepared material from Mozambique which has relatively well preserved dentition has revealed that the mode of tooth replacement of Endothiodon differs in the upper and lower jaws. The very high and narrow vaulted palate with a close fitting, pointed lower jaw indicates that Endothiodon had a small mouth with muscular cheeks and extensive cheek pouches, suggesting a browsing feeding niche.Non

Evidence for salt glands in the Triassic reptile Diademodon (Therapsida; Cynodontia)

Main articleFossilised skulls of Diademodon exhibit rostral depressions which may have housed salt glands. The possible functions of salt glands in this advanced cynodont are examined. Diademodon appears to have been more reptilian than mammalian in its general physiological organisation.the Chairman's Fund of the Anglo American Corporation, the S. L. Sive Memorial Travelling Fellowship, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, the Medical Referees Fund of the Department of Anatom,. Medical School, and the Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, University of the Witwatersran

The 3D Quaternary geology of the area around Thornton, Cheshire

This report summarises the superficial (Quaternary) geology of the area around Thornton Science Park at Thornton-Le-Moors in north Cheshire, with an emphasis on understanding the geological units in terms of potential fluid transport through them. The study utilised existing geological maps and borehole records to construct a 3D geological model of the superficial deposits, covering an area of 63km2. The Quaternary succession in the area is dominated by glacigenic sediments, comprising till (gravelly clay), glaciofluvial deposits (gravels and sands) and lesser amounts of glaciolacustrine clays and silts. The tills and glaciofluvial deposits are intercalated in some areas, with intervals of sand and gravel within the till modelled as lenses. The superficial deposits vary laterally and vertically across short distances, making extrapolation difficult in areas where borehole data are absent. Holocene sediments, comprising tidal flat deposits, peat and alluvium occupy the northern part of the study area forms a tract through the middle of the area. The northern part of the model covers the southern bank of the Mersey estuary where tidal flat deposits, dominated by silt and clay, are mapped/modelled with till underneath. A laterally persistent peat layer within the tidal flat deposits is modelled where proven in boreholes. The River Gowy runs south-north through the middle of the model area to join the Mersey at Stanlow Point. An arbitrary mapped line separates alluvium associated with the River Gowy from the Mersey estuary tidal flat deposits, with which they are transitional. A large area of peat is mapped/modelled at surface in a marshy area in the River Gowy floodplain. Boreholes prove that much of this peat is underlain by alluvium. Bedrock is mapped/modelled at surface in isolated patches, representing bedrock ‘highs’ where superficial deposits are locally absent. There may be other unproven zones of thin or absent superficial deposits in the area that could provide direct connectivity from the ground surface to the underlying Sherwood Sandstone Group bedrock

Improving coastal livelihoods through sustainable aquaculture practices - a report to the collaborative APEC Grouper Research and Development Network

Wild-harvest fisheries for live reef fish are largely over-exploited or unsustainable because of over-fishing and the widespread use of destructive fishing practices such as blast and cyanide fishing. Sustainable aquaculture – such as that of groupers – is one option for meeting the strong demand for reef fish, as well as potentially maintaining or improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. This report from a short study by the STREAM Initiative draws on secondary literature, media sources and four diverse case studies from at-risk reef fisheries, to frame a strategy for encouraging sustainable aquaculture as an alternative to destructive fishing practices. It was undertaken as a component of the APEC-funded project Collaborative Grouper Research and Development Network (FWG/01/2001) to better understand how recent technical advances in grouper culture and other complementary work – including that of the Asia-Pacific Marine Finfish Aquaculture Network (APMFAN) hosted by NACA – could better support the livelihoods of poor coastal communities. (PDF contains 49 pages