Regurgitalites (fossilized regurgitates) can provide insight into the behavioral ecology and physiology of extinct species but they are rarely reported because they are difficult to identify and distinguish from coprolites. A compact mass of skeletal material from the Owl Rock Member of the Upper Triassic Chinle Formation of Arizona reveals features that identify it as a regurgitalite. Characteristics of the teeth and osteoderms in the specimen indicate that these remains belong to the pseudosuchian archosaur Revueltosaurus. Chemical and microstructural analysis revealed a dearth of gastric etching, the preservation of muscle fibers, and the absence of a phosphatic matrix, indicating that this bone mass is a regurgitalite and not a coprolite. It was probably produced by a phytosaur, rauisuchid, or temnospondyl, all of which occur in the Owl Rock Member. We offer an identification key to assist in distinguishing between different types of digestive remains produced by vertebrate carnivores.
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11 March 2020
DISTINGUISHING REGURGITALITES AND COPROLITES: A CASE STUDY USING A TRIASSIC BROMALITE WITH SOFT TISSUE OF THE PSEUDOSUCHIAN ARCHOSAUR REVUELTOSAURUS
Caleb M. Gordon,
Brian T. Roach,
William G. Parker,
Derek E. G. Briggs
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PALAIOS
Vol. 35 • No. 3
March 2020
Vol. 35 • No. 3
March 2020