Re: Marshosaurus

["Timothy Williams" <twilliams_alpha@hotmail.com>]

Here's what I have.  The "Chure et al. (1997)" reference is an SVP abstract 
(and I bet I'm not the only one looking forward to the full publication).


Marshosaurus

Marshosaurus is a medium-sized theropod (estimated body length 5-6m), and 
one of the lesser-known predators among the Morrison dinofauna.  Two partial 
skeletons are known for this theropod, including the fragmentary type 
specimen (from Cleveland-Lloyd Quarry) and a better specimen (from Dinosaur 
National Monument West) discovered in 1912 but not studied until the 
mid-1990's.  Based on this new material, Marshosaurus appears to be some 
form of avetheropod.

Marshosaurus retains many features considered primitive - such as the long 
braincase (which puts Marshosaurus in stark contrast to the very 
short-braincased Stokesosaurus); rectangular-shaped lateral temporal 
fenestra; thick-walled centra with a camerate pneumatic structure; bowed 
pubic shaft ending as a small boot with no anterior expansion; and a long, 
low ilium (Chure et al., 1997).  Marshosaurus exhibits a number of derived 
features, including inclined axial intercentum (also seen in Sinraptor); 
tall cervical apophyses nearly as tall as the neural spines; opisthocoelous 
cervicals; a moderately expanded scapular blade; and an open obturator notch 
(Chure et al., 1997).  The humerus is short and massive, suggesting 
proportionately short but powerful forelimbs (Chure et al., 1997).

Species

Marshosaurus bicentesimus

Genus: Marshosaurus Madsen, 1976
Species: M. bicentesimus  Madsen, 1976 (type)


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