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Mats Eriksson

Mats Eriksson

Professor

Mats Eriksson

Skin Anatomy, Bone Histology and Taphonomy of a Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) Ichthyosaur (Reptilia: Ichthyopterygia) from Luxembourg, with Implications for Paleobiology

Author

  • Ida Bonnevier Wallstedt
  • Peter Sjövall
  • Ben Thuy
  • Randolph G. De La Garza
  • Mats E. Eriksson
  • Johan Lindgren

Summary, in English

A partial ichthyosaur skeleton from the Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) bituminous shales of the ‘Schistes Carton’ unit of southern Luxembourg is described and illustrated. In addition, associated remnant soft tissues are analyzed using a combination of imaging and molecular techniques. The fossil (MNHNL TV344) comprises scattered appendicular elements, together with a consecutive series of semi-articulated vertebrae surrounded by extensive soft-tissue remains. We conclude that TV344 represents a skeletally immature individual (possibly of the genus Stenopterygius) and that the soft parts primarily consist of fossilized skin, including the epidermis (with embedded melanophore pigment cells and melanosome organelles) and dermis. Ground sections of dorsal ribs display cortical microstructures reminiscent of lines of arrested growth (LAGs), providing an opportunity for a tentative age determination of the animal at the time of death (>3 years). It is further inferred that the exceptional preservation of TV344 was facilitated by seafloor dysoxia/anoxia with periodical intervals of oxygenation, which triggered phosphatization and the subsequent formation of a carbonate concretion.

Department/s

  • Lithosphere and Biosphere Science

Publishing year

2024-08

Language

English

Publication/Series

Diversity

Volume

16

Issue

8

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

MDPI AG

Topic

  • Geology

Keywords

  • bone histology
  • ichthyosaur
  • molecular paleontology
  • paleocolour
  • phosphatization
  • Schistes Carton
  • soft tissues

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1424-2818