The tracks of giant theropods (<i>Jurabrontes curtedulensis</i> ichnogen. & ichnosp. nov.) from the Late Jurassic of NW Switzerland: palaeoecological & palaeogeographical implications

<p><i>Jurabrontes curtedulensis</i>, a new ichnogenus and species of Late Jurassic giant theropod dinosaur track is described based on very well-preserved and morphologically-distinct tracks, all carefully excavated along federal highway A16 (Canton Jura, NW Switzerland). All trackways were systematically documented including parameter measurements, descriptions, outline drawings, orthophotos and laserscans. <i>Jurabrontes</i> is characterised by sub-equal track length and width, a small anterior triangle, weak mesaxony, three blunt digits (dII-III-IV) with pronounced (sub)triangular claw marks, a rounded heel, and clear phalangeal pad impressions. The combination of features of <i>Jurabrontes</i> is typical for a theropod (and not ornithopod) trackmaker. <i>Jurabrontes</i> is compared to other similar ichnotaxa and unnamed tracks of large theropods from the Early Jurassic to Late Cretaceous, from which it is clearly different. The sheer size of the largest tracks, that are amongst the largest worldwide and of similar size to <i>Tyrannosauripus</i> from the Late Cretaceous, suggests a ‘megalosaurid’ or large allosaurid theropod as a trackmaker. The presence of such large theropod tracks in tidal-flat deposits of the Jura carbonate platform and associated with small to large sauropod tracks has important palaeoecological implications for the dinosaur community and for palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographical reconstructions.</p> <p><i>Jurabrontes</i> - <a href="http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B482D2AF-637A-4B2D-8B0B-FEAD54CA2A26" target="_blank">urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:B482D2AF-637A-4B2D-8B0B-FEAD54CA2A26</a></p> <p><i>J. curtedulensis</i>- <a href="http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:30D45944-5A2B-45E1-89B9-20298E475D51" target="_blank">urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:30D45944-5A2B-45E1-89B9-20298E475D51</a></p

History of Use and Trade of Agarwood

Aromatics originating from the resin-infused infected wood of the Aquilaria and Gyrinops genera have distinct and valued fragrances. Resin formation occurs as a response to internal injury and/or infections in the stems of the agarwood tree. The incenses and perfumes that are produced from agarwood have been valued for centuries and used by many cultures for spiritual, opulent, and aphrodisiac purposes. Agarwood is highly revered in the seminal texts of Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. As early as 1400 B.C.E., agarwood was described as a fragrant product in Sanskrit texts, and in 65 B.C.E., Dioscorides detailed several medical applications for agarwood. Knowledge of human-induced agarwood formation was recorded in China as early as 300 C.E., where it was known that cutting into a tree would lead to a color change in its internal tissues within a year of the injury as a consequence of resin development. There is historical evidence of international trade in agarwood between the producing (tropical southeastern Asia) and consuming (Middle East, India, China, and Japan) regions of the world. Agarwood has been consumed primarily as incense with the burning of wood chips directly or as an important ingredient for powdered incense blends. The aromatic qualities of agarwood are influenced by the species and variety of the two genera, geographic location, its branch, trunk and root origin, length of time since infection, and methods of harvesting and processing. The subtle but numerous variations in agarwood properties led to the development of systems for product classification and description in several consumer countries. This paper reviews the uses and trade of agarwood and its social, political, and economic significance in human history