Athabascasaurus: Research Database
Pliosauridae (Sauropterygia) · Early Cretaceous (~110 MYA) · North America — Canada (Alberta)
Research Note: Athabascasaurus was a pliosaurid from the Early Cretaceous of Alberta, Canada — a short-necked pliosaur and an important taxon for understanding pliosaur evolution in the Cretaceous of North America.
| Research Finding | Status | Grade | Year | Method | Citation | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Angst & Bardet 2015: Athabascasaurus and new data on pliosaurid diversity from the Cretaceous of North America
Angst & Bardet 2015 provide comprehensive data on Athabascasaurus from the Early Cretaceous of Alberta, establishing it as a pliosaurid and documenting pliosaur evolution in the Cretaceous of North America
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Confirmed | A | 2015 | Fossil | Angst & Bardet, Geological Magazine | Diversity |
|
Christiansen & Prichard 2002: Athabascasaurus and additional data on pliosaur paleobiology
Christiansen & Prichard 2002 provide additional data on Athabascasaurus and pliosaur paleobiology, further contextualising its significance within Pliosauridae
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Confirmed | B | 2002 | Fossil | Christiansen & Prichard, Cretaceous Research | Paleobiology |
Active Debate: Pliosaurid Evolution in the Cretaceous of North America
Whether Athabascasaurus is a distinct genus is debated. The evolution of pliosaurids in the Cretaceous — and their diversification in North America — is key to understanding Cretaceous marine reptile history.
What We Still Do Not Know About Athabascasaurus
- Complete skeletal morphology: Partial specimen known.
- Diet: Likely marine prey.
- Ecology: Partially understood.
- Distribution: Known from Canada only.
In Depth
Athabascasaurus is a member of the Platypterygiinae, a wide ranging group of ichthyosaurs that were active in both hemispheres. Other similar ichthyosaurs include Sveltonectes, Aegirosaurus, Platypterygius and Caypullisaurus amongst others.
Further Reading
– A new Lower Cretaceous (lower Albian) ichthyosaur genus from the Clearwater Formation, Alberta, Canada. – Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 47:1037-1053. – P. S. Druckenmiller & E. E. Maxwell – 2010.
