Decuriasuchus: Research Database
Theropoda · Cretaceous · Unknown
Research Note: Decuriasuchus was a theropoda from the Cretaceous of Unknown, providing important data on prehistoric life and ecosystem dynamics.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
de Farias Desojo Cerda 2024: Decuriasuchus and related taxa The Anatomical Record | Confirmed | B | 2024 | Fossil | de Farias Desojo Cerda, The Anatomical Record | Taxonomy |
De França Langer Ferigolo 2013: Decuriasuchus and related taxa Geological Society, London, Special Publications | Confirmed | C | 2013 | Fossil | De França Langer Ferigolo, Geological Society, London, Special Publications | Taxonomy |
What We Still Do Not Know About Decuriasuchus
- Complete skeletal morphology and ecological role.
- Phylogenetic relationships within Theropoda.
- Distribution and evolutionary history.
In Depth
Named in 2011, Decuriasuchus seems to have been like many predatory archosaurs in appearance, moderate in size, and capable of taking down similar sized animals. What has made palaeontologists sit up take notice however is that when Decuriasuchus was first found they didn’t find just one, but nine individuals buried together, with a tenth nearby. Even more startling is that they all appear to have died together at the same time and not over a period of months and years as would be expected if this were a predator trap. Further, no other fossils of other animals have been found, suggesting that they did not all come together to feed on a carcass. What Decuriasuchus represents is perhaps one of the earliest signs of gregarious behaviour in archosaurs
Further Reading
- Associated skeletons of a new middle Triassic “Rauisuchia” from Brazil. - Naturwissenschaften. - M. A. G. Franca, J. Ferigolo & M. C. Langer - 2011. – The skull anatomy of Decuriasuchus quartacolonia (Pseudosuchia: Suchia: Loricata) from the middle Triassic of Brazil. – Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 379 (1): 469–501 – Marco A. G. De Fran�a, Max C. Langer & Jorge Ferigolo – 2013.
