Embryonic skin from Late Cretaceous Sauropods (Dinosauria) of Auca Mahuevo, Patagonia, Argentina
2007/10/30 by Rodolfo A. Coria, Luis M. Chiappe · 54 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Amphibian and Reptile Biology #Anatomy #Biology #Comparative anatomy #Cretaceous #Evolution and Paleontology Studies #Integumentary system #Paleontology #Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology #Rosette (schizont appearance) #Sauropoda
paper · doi:10.1666/05-150.1
published in Journal of Paleontology 81(6), 1528-1532 (Cambridge University Press)
openalex publication_date 2007/10/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
Abstract
We describe the integumentary anatomy of titanosaur sauropod embryos from the Auca Mahuevo nesting site. Natural (calcitic) casts of the skin show the non-imbricating, tuberculate scales (i.e., tubercles) typical of other non-avian dinosaurs. However, a variety of scale patterns previously unknown for the skin of these animals is reported. The observed integumentary patterns include ground tubercles, large and elongated tubercles, parallel rows of large tubercles, tubercles in rosette-like and flower-like arrangements, and in striate-like rows. Ground tubercles and rosette-like patterns resemble the few examples of skin known for adult sauropods. The former pattern also resembles the arrangement of osteoderms of the armored titanosaur Saltasaurus. Although the embryonic skin does not show definitive evidence of armor, the posthatching development of osteoderms cannot be ruled out. This material, the only available evidence of the embryonic skin of non-avian dinosaurs, contributes significantly to our knowledge of the integumentary morphology of these animals.
Citations
Cited by
- Epidermal scale growth, allometry and function in non‐avian dinosaurs and extant reptiles
- Bringing dinosaurs to life: A scientific revolution in palaeobiological methods
- Fossilized melanosomes reveal colour patterning of a sauropod dinosaur
- The Auca Mahuevo nesting site (Upper Cretaceous, Argentina), revisited: new insights into the structural diversity and incubation mode of titanosaur (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) eggs
- Paleozoic cave system preserves oldest-known evidence of amniote skin
- Anatomy of Juravenator starki (Theropoda: Coelurosauria) from the Late Jurassic of Germany
- Two of a Feather: A Comparison of the Preserved Integument in the Juvenile Theropod Dinosaurs Sciurumimus and Juravenator from the Kimmeridgian Torleite Formation of Southern Germany
- Morphology and distribution of scales, dermal ossifications, and other non‐feather integumentary structures in non‐avialan theropod dinosaurs
- Perilaku Penjamah Makanan Terhadap Hygiene Dan Sanitasi Pengolahan Makanan Di Pondok Pesantren Darularafah Kabupaten Deli Serdang Propinsi Sumatera Utara Tahun 2002
- Soft Tissue Preservation in Terrestrial Mesozoic Vertebrates
- Recent advances in amniote palaeocolour reconstruction and a framework for future research
- Histological, chemical, and morphological reexamination of the “heart” of a small Late Cretaceous Thescelosaurus
- Auca Mahuevo [wikipedia]
- Saltasaurus [wikipedia]
- New occurrences of fossilized feathers: systematics and taphonomy of the Santana Formation of the Araripe Basin (Cretaceous), NE, Brazil. [europepmc]
- Exceptionally preserved 'skin' in an Early Cretaceous fish from Colombia. [europepmc]
- Evidence of integumentary scale diversity in the late Jurassic Sauropod Diplodocus sp. from the Mother's Day Quarry, Montana. [europepmc]
- Oldest preserved umbilical scar reveals dinosaurs had 'belly buttons'. [europepmc]
- The exquisitely preserved integument of Psittacosaurus and the scaly skin of ceratopsian dinosaurs. [europepmc]
- Parental feeding in the dinosaur Lufengosaurus revealed through multidisciplinary comparisons with altricial and precocious birds. [europepmc]
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