Middle Triassic Plagiosternum enters the LRT
Shoch et al 2025 wrote:
“Plagiosaurids form a small but highly disparate clade of Triassic temnospondyls that are characterized by extremely flattened and wide skulls, large orbits and a knobby to pustular ornamentation. The largest European taxon is Plagiosternum granulosum from the Middle Triassic of Germany. Originally known from fragmentary bonebed material only, recent finds add well-preserved specimens that reveal the structure of the skull, mandible and pectoral girdle in great detail. Plagiosternum granulosum was the most salt-tolerant temnospondyl in the Ladinian palaeoenvironments, where it dwelled brackish lagoons and lakes and formed a community with nothosaurids and other euhaline taxa.”
When added to
the large reptile tree (LRT, 2340 taxa) Plagiosterum nested, as expected, between two other plagiosaurs: Gerrothorax and Plagiosuchus.
Click links to see images.
The authors
“raised the question of what caused the convergent increase of orbit size in plagiosaurids.”
“The loss of circumorbital elements, which occurred convergently in up to three plagiosaurid clades (Witzmann & Schoch, 2024), might well have been triggered by different factors in divergent taxa.”
The LRT tests fewer plagiosaurids, so only one loss of circumorbital elements is indicated as the orbit increases in size, creating a confluent upper temporal fenestra by way of erosion of the postorbital elements.
“Plagiosternines, in contrast, did not have enlarged adductor muscles, as evidenced by the normal size of the adductor fenestra in the mandible.”
“Steyer (2014) suggested that salinity tolerance may have been facilitated by salt or lacrimal glands in euhaline temnospondyls, and the enormous size of the orbits in P. granulosum might well have housed such an organ.”
In the LRT
plagiosaurs are among the most primitive tetrapods, not derived temnospondyls. Add taxa to test this. Let us know if you confirm, refute or modify this LRT hypothesis.
References
Shoch RR et al (5 co-authors) 2025. Morphology and ontogeny of the plagiosaurid temnospondyl Plagiosternum granulosum from the Middle Triassic of Germany. PalZ https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-025-00748-7
wiki/Plagiosternum
wiki/Plagiosauridae
Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2026/01/31/middle-triassic-plagiosternum-enters-the-lrt/
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.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. 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 PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
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.
| Visits: | 1,773,446,590 |
| Stories: | 8,576,900 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
