The phylogenetic relationship between the Sauropoda and the non-sauropod sauropodomorphs stays unsure. The invention of extraordinarily massive non-sauropod sauropodomorphs equivalent to Lessemsaurus, Antetonitrus and Ingentia within the Southern Hemisphere demonstrates that some Late Triassic dinosaurs may rival the sauropods by way of dimension.  Additional work is required to higher perceive the taxonomic relationship between the Sauropoda and different saurischian dinosaurs recognized from the Triassic and really Early Jurassic.  These saurischian dinosaurs could or is probably not carefully associated to the Sauropoda clade.

The primary sauropodomorphs advanced within the Triassic. Initially, they have been small and bipedal. It was thought that gigantism on this clade first advanced within the Early Jurassic and was linked to the Eusauropoda, dinosaurs which have been obligate quadrupeds, with column-like legs and have been graviportal (solely able to shifting slowing). The paucity of the fossil document prevents a extra full understanding of sauropodomorph evolution. Nevertheless, with the outline of Ingentia prima (Apaldetti et al) in 2018 a brand new household of super-sized non-sauropod sauropodomorphs was established – the Lessemsauridae.

The Lessemsauridae (Non-sauropod Sauropodomorphs)

The Lessemsauridae attained an especially massive physique dimension. These dinosaurs have been a lot bigger and heavier than the most important terrestrial mammals discovered in the present day. They show speedy progress associated to the seasonal availability of meals. As well as, their skeletons exhibit many anatomical traits related to basal sauropodomorphs while missing traits beforehand considered variations to gigantism.

Members of this household embrace Ingentia prima from the Quebrada del Barro Formation and Lessemsaurus sauropoides from the Los Colorados Formation (Argentina).  As well as, the Early Jurassic sauropodomorph Antetonitrus ingenipes from the Elliot Formation of South Africa has been included.  Extra not too long ago different taxa from southern Africa have been added to this clade. Dinosaurs equivalent to Meroktenos and Kholumolumo from Lesotho, and the large Ledumahadi mafube from South Africa.

Ledumahadi mafube illustrated.

A life reconstruction of Ledumahadi mafube.  Lately this dinosaur has been assigned to the Lessemsauridae clade.

Image credit score: Viktor Radermacher (Witwatersrand College)

A spokesperson from Every little thing Dinosaur commented:

“The previous definitions of prosauropod and sauropod proved too simplistic.  The evolution of super-sized, herbivorous dinosaurs within the Early Jurassic stays poorly outlined.  Hopefully, extra full fossil materials from the Norian and Rhaetian faunal phases will assist to make clear the taxonomy.”

The Every little thing Dinosaur web site: Go to the Every little thing Dinosaur Web site.