Bernardo J. GonzÃlez Riga & MarÃa BelÃn Tomaselli (2018)
Different trackway patterns in titanosaur sauropods: Analysis of new Titanopodus tracks from the Upper Cretaceous of Mendoza, NeuquÃn Basin, Argentina.
Cretaceous Research (advance online publication)
The discovery of new Titanopodus trackways (Loncoche Formation, Argentina) shed light on the locomotion of titanosaur sauropods. Two patterns related with different size of trackmakers are identified based on ichnological and anatomical evidences. AC-1 and AC-4 trackways (pattern 1) are characterized by alternated manus and pes tracks. This is congruent with an asynchronous gait produced by large individuals that walked at 4.7â4.8 km/h. AC-3 trackway (pattern 2) shows some elongated and distorted tracks interpreted as overlapped manus and pes prints. This interpretation is supported by the presence of clear juxtaposed or partially overlapped manus and pes prints in some parts of the trackway. Pattern 2 is preliminary assigned to an amble gait produced by a smaller individual that walked at 3.7 km/h. These two patterns can be analyzed as different gaits in titanosaurs that walked together.
Marco Romano, Paolo Citton & Marco Avanzini (2018)
A review of the concepts of 'axony' and their bearing on tetrapod ichnology.
Historical Biology (advance online publication)
DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2018.1516766
Two meanings of the term axony are found in the ichnological literature. Multiple meanings may prove to be a double-edge sword, complicating scientific communication. In vertebrate ichnology the first meaning of axony relies on aspects of locomotion related to the body weight support and propulsive thrust. A second one concerns axony as a purely geometric and dimensional descriptor. These approaches are based on a static view of the impression process, implying the loss of much important information. Here we report an analysis of shallowly impressed footprints referred to the ichnotaxa Ichniotherium sphaerodactylum and Dimetropus osageorum. The analysis was carried out by considering the track registration as a dynamic process and attempting to identify and describe axony conditions during movements. Variations in the axony conditions can be understood in the light of the producerâs foot anatomy and the reciprocal relations between foot bone elements. The concept of axony can be a useful tool in ichnological practice only when it is related to the complex dynamic of locomotion and the resulting track registration. It can help in restoring the interconnections between track and trackmaker, re-establishing the biological significance of tetrapod footprints.
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MÃlani Berrocal-Casero, Mario Arribas & Josà JoaquÃn Moratalla (2018)
Didactic and Divulgative Resources of the Middle Triassic Vertebrate Tracksite of Los Arroturos (Province of Guadalajara, Spain)
Geoheritage 10(3): 375â384
The Middle Triassic reptile tracksite of Los Arroturos (Guadalajara, Spain) provides a high scientific and didactic interest. In this site, numerous tracks and trackways of rauisuchian archosaurs are preserved, being an especially characteristic site in the Triassic of Spain. The tracksite is very useful for developing educational goals, such as fieldtrips and teaching activities. In this work, some fieldtrips have been carried out for students of primary and secondary school levels. These type of activities offer a great opportunity to promote interest in geosciences and improve awareness about the importance of palaeontological heritage. Nevertheless, this tracksite is extremely vulnerable, and suffers from continuous degradation caused by weathering. The plan to develop it as an educational site relies on its survival; however, if no adequate protection is provided, the tracks will quickly be completely deteriorated. It is necessary to take urgent measures to protect this site. The surrounding area offers an outstanding cultural heritage and it would be interesting to publicise this tracksite as well as using this publicity to promote its protection.