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Re: Q and A [was Re: AUSSIE ORNITHISCHIANS]


Jaime A. Headden wrote:

  Just got back to Rich and Vickers-Rich, 1999, and
that paper suggests that these two taxa differ
primarily on one feature, the fewer dentary dentition
and thus shorter jaw in Q, but that Q and A are
fundamentally most similar to each other. Apparently,
the larger size, shorter face, and abundant
distributions of bones referable to each, suggest two
populations with two morphologies, one Q, one A,  so
that they are separate taxa. Not sure about the
generic distinction, though, but oh well.

I think a generic distinction is justified. The dentary of _Qantassaurus_ is MUCH shorter than that of _Atlascopcosaurus_, and has space for fewer teeth (10 compared to 13-14 in _Atlascopco_).

Also, a
giant tooth of the similar morphology to Q and A may
apply to another species, as both taxa are adults.

If this is QM F14421 from Lightning Ridge, it might have been referred to _Muttaburrasaurus_.


Tim
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