Skull osteology of the holotype of the rhynchosaur Hyperodapedon sanjuanensis (Sill, 1970) from the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina

A groundbreaking study reveals the first detailed three-dimensional reconstruction of a rhynchosaurid palate, significantly advancing our understanding of these distinctive Triassic herbivores. The research, focusing on the holotype skull of Hyperodapedon sanjuanensis from Argentina's Ischigualasto Formation, utilized repreparation and computed tomography (CT) scanning to uncover novel anatomical features, including the presence of septomaxillae bones—a first for rhynchosaurids. This discovery not only provides critical insights into the complex masticatory apparatus of rhynchosaurs but also sheds light on their evolutionary trajectory, offering a more comprehensive view of their morphological diversity and taxonomic relationships in South America.

Gentil, A. R., & Ezcurra, M. D. (2021). Skull osteology of the holotype of the rhynchosaur Hyperodapedon sanjuanensis (Sill, 1970) from the Upper Triassic Ischigualasto Formation of Argentina. The Anatomical Record, 305(5), 1168–1200. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.24771