Griphognathus: Research Database
Theropoda · Cretaceous · Unknown
Research Note: Griphognathus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ørvig 1976: Griphognathus and related taxa Zoologica Scripta | Confirmed | A | 1976 | Fossil | Ørvig, Zoologica Scripta | Taxonomy |
Campbell Barwick 2002: Griphognathus and related taxa Records of the Western Australian Museum | Confirmed | C | 2002 | Fossil | Campbell Barwick, Records of the Western Australian Museum | Taxonomy |
What We Still Do Not Know About Griphognathus
- Complete skeletal morphology and ecological role.
- Phylogenetic relationships within Theropoda.
- Distribution and evolutionary history.
In Depth
Griphognathus was an early lungfish, an identification which means that members of the genus may have been able to survive for short periods out of the water. The body is long with most of the fins being situated towards the rear, the pectoral fins being the obvious exception to this. The upper lobe of the tail is much more developed than the lower, suggesting that Griphognathus may have spent a lot of time near the bottom since the reduced lower lobe would then not be rubbing against hard obstacles. The name of the genus s derived from the hook-like shape of the jaws.
Further Reading
– Dipnoan (lungfish) skulls and the relationships of the group: a study based on new species from the Devonian of Australia. – Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 61:1-328. – R. S. Miles – 1977.
