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Several recumbirostran 'microsaurs' are known from early Permian sites across Germany, including the Tambach Formation in Thuringia, central Germany. The only 'microsaur' thus far described from the Tambach Formation was the ostodolepid recumbirostran Tambaroter carrolli. However, there is also the documented presence of an undescribed recumbirostran 'microsaur' at the well-known Bromacker locality. The Bromacker locality is highly recognized and best known for its very diverse and extremely well-preserved terrestrial tetrapod assemblage combined with the co-occurrence of an exceptional vertebrate ichnofossil record. Here we describe a second new recumbirostran taxon from the Tambach Formation, which is also the first from the Bromacker locality itself. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that the new taxon, Bromerpeton subcolossus gen. et sp. nov., is a brachystelechid recumbirostran, a group also known elsewhere in Germany. The following features differentiate Bromerpeton from the other members of the clade: the presence of 13 maxillary teeth, narrow postorbitals that do not substantially contribute to the postorbital region of the skull, the frontal does not contribute to the orbital margin, and the presence of five manual digits. This new recumbirostran 'microsaur' further adds to the unique ecosystem that is preserved at the Bromacker locality, granting us a better understanding of what was living underfoot the larger more well-known animals at the locality. Likewise, it expands our understanding of the evolution of recumbirostran 'microsaurs', especially with regards to digit and limb reduction within the clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new eryopid temnospondyl, Stenokranio boldi n. gen. n. sp. is described based on well-preserved cranial and postcranial material from fluvio-lacustrine deposits of the Permo-Carboniferous (Gzhelian/Asselian) Remigiusberg Formation at the Remigiusberg quarry near Kusel, Saar–Nahe Basin, southwest Germany. The new taxon is characterized by three autapomorphies within the Eryopidae: (1) the relatively narrow posterior skull table, therefore nearly parallel lateral margins of the skull; (2) the short postparietals and tabulars; and (3) the wide ectopterygoid. Phylogenetic analysis reveals a monophyletic Eryopidae with the basal taxa Osteophorus, Glaukerpeton, and Onchiodon labyrinthicus forming a polytomy. Actinodon may be either a basal eryopid or a stereospondylomorph, and the genus Onchiodon is not monophyletic. Stenokranio n. gen. is found as a more derived eryopid forming the sister taxon to Eryops. Stenokranio n. gen. was among the largest predators of the Saar–Nahe Basin. Its semiaquatic lifestyle enabled Stenokranio n. gen. to browse riverbanks and lake shorelines for prey, but most likely it fed on aquatic vertebrates. Stenokranio n. gen. was part of a faunal assemblage of aquatic, semiaquatic, and fully terrestrial vertebrates, such as sarcopterygian and actinopterygian fishes, xenacanthid sharks, a dvinosaurian temnospondyl, different "lepospondyls", diadectomorphs, and synapsids. This is in general accordance with the vertebrate community from the Permo-Carboniferous of North America and from the early Permian localities of Manebach (Thuringian Forest Basin) and Niederhäslich (Döhlen Basin). It is notable that the occurrence of Stenokranio n. gen. and other eryopids in these localities excluded the presence of other large temnospondyls such as Sclerocephalus. However, a previously described isolated eryopid mandible from the Remigiusberg locality differs from that of Stenokranio n. gen. in several characters, implying that probably two different eryopid taxa lived at the same locality. UUID: www.zoobank.org/88a52547-d6fc-40af-965c-a6786c252ed5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of how organisms grow is a fundamental aspect of palaeontology. Growth in teleosauroids is poorly understood and little studied, especially in an ontogenetic sense. We investigate growth rates of the most common and abundant teleosauroid, Macrospondylus bollensis, in which a large sample of multiple body sizes is available from the Posidonienschiefer Formation (Posidonia Shale) of southwestern Germany. We perform linear regression analyses on 62 specimens of Macrospondylus (16 juveniles, 7 subadults and 39 adults) using 21 cranial and postcranial measurements. Our results show that juvenile, subadult and adult individuals have near‐isometric or isometric growth throughout much of the body. Notably, we find that in Macrospondylus: (1) the femur grows at a faster rate than the skull and hindlimb zeugopodium; (2) the forelimb and hindlimb grow at the same rate; and (3) there is distinct ontogenetic signal in the growth of the orbit and supratemporal fenestra. We also find that limb scaling in Macrospondylus is somewhat comparable to that seen in the extant gavialids Gavialis gangeticus and Tomistoma schlegelii. Last, we examine evolutionary allometry in skull length relative to body size in Crocodylomorpha using femoral length as a proxy, which shows a near‐isometric trend. Non‐thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs (with the exception of one pholidosaurid and one dryosaurid taxon) are differentiated from thalattosuchians due to their shorter skulls, as previously suggested, but the scaling relationship with femur length remains unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented for the first time is a reconstruction of the skull of Diadectes (Diadectomorpha) based on several specimens of a single species Diadectes absitus from the early Permian of central Germany. Since its first discovery at the end of the 19th century the only reconstructions of the skull of Diadectes were without specific designation, despite a rich Permo-Carboniferous fossil record. The skull of D. absitus is reconstructed in dorsal, lateral, posterior, and ventral views and includes exocranial and endocranial elements. The reconstructions of Diadectes presented here are compared with those of all other authors, and the differences are analysed and discussed. The comparisons recognised three features not recorded in other species of Diadectes : (1) anterior and posterior margins of the transverse process of the pterygoid parallel one another; (2) the angle between the posterior margin of the transverse process and the lateral margin of the quadrate ramus of the pterygoid is sharply defined; and (3) the anterior ventral margin of the transverse process of the pterygoid bears a distinct sharp ridge. These characters are discussed in the context of the skull anatomy of Diadectes and inaccuracies in previous cranial reconstructions of the genus are rectified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pterodactylus from the uppermost Jurassic of southern Germany represents one of the most iconic pterosaurs, due to its status of being the first member of the Pterosauria to have been described and named. During the early phase of pterosaur research, Pterodactylus was a wastebasket taxon containing dozens of sometimes distantly related assigned species. Decades later, a comprehensive revision of the genus significantly reduced the number of species. To date, only one species remains in the genus, Pterodactylus antiquus, although the referral of several specimens to this taxon and the taxonomic relationships of them is still debated. Thus far, the genus has been only reported from the Upper Jurassic Plattenkalk deposits of Bavaria, and all of these occurrences are Tithonian in age. Here we describe the first record of Pterodactylus from the Torleite Formation near Painten (Bavaria), which represents the first occurrence of the genus from the Kimmeridgian. The specimen is a complete, articulated and exquisitely preserved skeleton of a small-sized individual. Aside from its old geological age, it is a typical representative of the genus, greatly resembling other specimens from younger strata. Certain characters, such as the overall size, skull length, relative orbit size, and phalangeal formula indicate that the specimen from Painten represents a juvenile to young subadult individual, an ontogenetic stage rarely found among Pterodactylus specimens. The find significantly expands the temporal range of the taxon and represents one of the best-preserved specimens of the genus reported so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tragulids, chevrotains or mouse deer, were common faunal elements during the Miocene. During that time, Dorcatherium was the most abundant genus, with D. naui being the first described species. Besides their abundance, until recently only very limited cranial material was available for investigation. Here we present a redescription of the first complete skull of D. naui from the middle to late Miocene locality of Eppelsheim, Germany, based on micro-computed tomography. Furthermore, we present a description and comparison of two additional, new skulls of D. naui from the late Miocene hominid locality Hammerschmiede, Germany. Within Dorcatherium, so far, only three other complete skulls are known, all belonging to D. crassum. A comparison between the three skulls of D. naui and the already known skulls of D. crassum shows that these two species differ in morphological features of the skull, such as laterally facing orbitae, separation of supraorbital foramen from supraorbital groove by a bony bridge, well-developed parietal plateau, prominent nuchal tubercle, less-developed nuchal crests, and the presence of an occipital crest. Moreover, two different osteological morphotypes are present in the skulls of D. naui that can be interpreted as a previously unknown sexual dimorphism. Very similar features are observed in D. crassum, which can be likewise related to the same dimorphism. However, males of D. naui differ from males of D. crassum by the presence of frontoparietal bulges, which were probably used for sexual display and during male-male combats in males of D. naui. For the first time, sexual dimorphism in Dorcatherium is described based on skull characteristics, which are, so far, unknown from any other fossil or extant tragulid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to systematically investigate the value of combining traits from different anatomical regions in osteological sexing by contrasting the utility of single traits and established scores with those of ensembles of traits from single or multiple anatomical regions, allowing metric and morphological traits to be combined. The utility was defined as the fraction of the population for whom we could reach a posterior probability above 95% of being male or female. A total of 675 adult individuals from the sixth to eighth century AD cemetery of Mannheim Bösfeld, Germany, were assessed, and 27 postcranial metric traits and 41 morphological traits from the pelvis, mandible, and cranium were used. In addition, 13 metric and 3 morphological scores were considered. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to construct rules and cross validation to determine accuracy and utility. These parameters were determined for single traits and scores, trait groups defined by anatomical regions and/or previously considered in the literature, and ensembles of traits defined by selecting several promising traits from different anatomical regions. Accuracy of single traits ranged from 0.76 to 0.94, with scores even reaching 0.97, but utility remained around 0.2–0.4 for metric traits and up to 0.6 for morphological traits. Only scores and ensembles combining traits from different anatomical regions reached a utility above 0.7; that is, sex could be estimated in more than 70% of the individuals with a posterior probability above 95%. When selecting a limited number of traits for systematic sexing in a human skeletal series, it is advisable to select traits from different anatomical regions to obtain a reasonably reliable result in as many individuals as possible. Large scale investigations covering all relevant anatomical regions and involving a wide range of populations are required for more precise recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some small mammals exhibit Dehnel's Phenomenon, a drastic decrease in body mass, braincase, and brain size from summer to winter, followed by a regrowth in spring. This is accompanied by a re‐organization of the brain and changes in other organs. The evolutionary link between these changes and seasonality remains unclear, although the intensity of change varies between locations as the phenomenon is thought to lead to energy savings during winter.Here we explored geographic variation of the intensity of Dehnel's Phenomenon in Sorex araneus. We compiled literature on seasonal changes in braincase size, brain, and body mass, supplemented by our own data from Poland, Germany, and Czech Republic.We analyzed the effect of geographic and climate variables on the intensity of change and patterns of brain re‐organization.From summer to winter, the braincase height decreased by 13%, followed by 10% regrowth in spring. For body mass, the changes were −21%/+82%, respectively. Changes increased toward northeast. Several climate variables were correlated with these transformations, confirming a link of the intensity of the changes with environmental conditions. This relationship differed for the decrease versus regrowth, suggesting that they may have evolved under different selective pressures.We found no geographic trends explaining variability in the brain mass changes although they were similar (−21%/+10%) to those of the braincase size. Underlying patterns of change in brain organization in northeastern Poland were almost identical to the pattern observed in southern Germany. This indicates that local habitat characteristics may play a more important role in determining brain structure than broad scale geographic conditions.We discuss the techniques and criteria used for studying this phenomenon, as well as its potential presence in other taxa and the importance of distinguishing it from other kinds of seasonal variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cricosaurus represents one of the most important radiations within Metriorhynchidae, a specialized marine clade of Crocodylomorpha that flourished in marine environments from the Middle Jurassic until the Early Cretaceous. Here, we describe a new species of Cricosaurus, Cricosaurus rauhuti sp. nov., from the Mörnsheim Formation (lower Tithonian) of southern Germany. The specimen is the first three-dimensionally preserved Cricosaurus from this realm, and it is represented by a partially preserved cranium and lower jaw that has autapomorphic characters that distinguish it from any other species of Cricosaurus. The phylogenetic analysis shows that the new species is more closely related to some non-European forms from the Late Jurassic and one taxon from the Valanginian of Germany (all 3D-preserved) than to other Late Jurassic Cricosaurus from southern Germany (all 2D-preserved). Our exploratory analyses confirm that this is not a preservation bias. For the first time, this shows that there are two clades of Cricosaurus present during the Late Jurassic in Germany. Furthermore, it provides additional evidence of a close faunal relationship between Europe and South America in the Late Jurassic, as also evidenced by the fossil record of other marine reptiles. Finally, the distribution of metriorhynchids in localities of the Solnhofen Archipelago suggests a change in the taxic diversity of the region during the early Tithonian, which might be the result of environmental changes in the Solnhofen Archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a partial skull of a very large crane from the early late Miocene (Tortonian) hominid locality Hammerschmiede in southern Germany, which is the oldest fossil record of the Gruinae (true cranes). The fossil exhibits an unusual preservation in that only the dorsal portions of the neurocranium and beak are preserved. Even though it is, therefore, very fragmentary, two morphological characteristics are striking and of paleobiological significance: its large size and the very long beak. The fossil is from a species the size of the largest extant cranes and represents the earliest record of a large-sized crane in Europe. Overall, the specimen resembles the skull of the extant, very long-beaked Siberian Crane, Leucogeranus leucogeranus, but its affinities within Gruinae cannot be determined owing to the incomplete preservation. Judging from its size, the fossil may possibly belong to the very large "Grus" pentelici, which stems from temporally and geographically proximate sites. The long beak of the Hammerschmiede crane conforms to an open freshwater paleohabitat, which prevailed at the locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skulls, jaws and teeth of wild terrestrial small mammals (Sciuridae, Soricidae, Erinaceidae, Talpidae, Gliridae, Arvicolidae, Muridae) are occasionally affected by anomalies and pathologies. The present study documents a total of 362 anomalies and 122 pathological changes across 20 different species. These are all based on data published in Germany, supplemented by our own records. Cases were classified into 14 different categories, according to bone and dental anomalies, fractures and inclusions, bone proliferation, dental disease and extreme wear of teeth. An additional category to specifically account for bone proliferation of the skull was not needed, but such findings are to be expected. The most frequent finding was abnormal tooth growth, particularly the elongation of the upper incisors. In individual cases, there was evidence that small mammals are able to recover even from serious injuries to the skull. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early Mesozoic halecomorphs are highly diverse, but their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships are still controversial. We describe here a new halecomorph taxon from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) Nusplingen Lithographic Limestone, southern Germany. Sanctusichthys rieteri, gen. et sp. nov., is characterized by the peculiar patterns of skull roofing bones and cephalic sensory canals, and a unique squamation made of tiny lepisosteoid-type scales with extremely or completely reduced ganoin layer. Very peculiarly, S. rieteri presents a series of bones placed between the frontals and the anamestic supraorbitals, one of them carrying a portion of the main supraorbital sensory canal between the frontal and nasal bones. These bones, here called parafrontals, are so far unknown in other actinopterygians. The new taxon resembles most closely several Late Jurassic Furo-like halecomorphs, which have been classified in the family Furidae and are currently placed in either of the controversial orders Ophiopsiformes or Ionoscopiformes. The close phylogenetic relationships between these taxa are confirmed in a cladistic analysis that retrieves Sanctusichthys within a broadly defined Ionoscopiformes, including the potentially independent Ophiopsiformes. Interestingly, these Furo-like halecomorphs are highly diverse in the Late Jurassic deposits of southern Germany, and they are especially well represented—with four species accounting for 15% of the actinopterygian taxa—in the Nusplingen quarry, which yields one of the three most diverse Jurassic assemblages of these fishes. The paleoecological significance of this high diversity can only be explored after solving the β-taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of these Furo-like taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thalattosuchia, a clade of Mesozoic aquatic crocodyliforms, were the only archosaurs that ever became fully adapted to marine ecosystems. They are represented by two clades, the semiaquatic teleosauroids and the metriorhynchoids, which include fully pelagic forms. So far, little is known on the early evolutionary history of Metriorhynchoidea and data are sparse, especially from the early Middle Jurassic. Opisuchus meieri gen. et sp. nov. a metriorhynchoid crocodyliform from the early Aalenian (early Middle Jurassic) of southern Germany, is described here. It is one of the most complete specimens of a non-metriorhynchid metriorhynchoid, and the best-preserved thalattosuchian described from the Aalenian. The new taxon is represented by a nearly complete skull, which has a unique combination of characters distinguishing it from other species of Metriorhynchoidea. It displays a mosaic of plesiomorphic and apomorphic morphological features that sheds new light on early metriorhynchoid evolution. This taxon is an important puzzle piece, which will help to better track the mosaic character distribution in Thalattosuchia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arnstadt Formation of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany has yielded some of Germany's most substantial finds of Late Triassic tetrapods, including the sauropodomorph Plateosaurus and the stem-turtle Proganochelys quenstedti. Here, we describe an almost complete skull of a new sphenodontian taxon from this formation (Norian, 227-208 Ma), making it the oldest known articulated sphenodontian skull from Europe and one of the oldest in the world. The material is represented by the dermal skull roof and by the complete maxilla and temporal region, as well as parts of the palate, braincase, and lower jaw. A phylogenetic assessment recovers it as a basal sphenodontian closely related to Planocephalosaurus robinsonae and to Eusphenodontia, making it the earliest-diverging sphenodontian known with an articulated skull. Its cranial anatomy is generally similar to the well-known Diphydontosaurus avonis from the Rhaetian of England, showing that this successful phenotype was already established in the clade around 10 myr earlier than assumed. An analysis of evolutionary change rates recovers high rates of evolution in basal sphenodontians, with decreasing rates throughout the evolution of the group. However, contrary to previous studies, reversals in this trend were identified, indicating additional peaks of evolutionary change. These results improve our understanding of the early sphenodontian diversity in Europe, providing critical information on evolutionary trends throughout the history of the clade and sparking renewed interest in its evolution., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility, diagnostic image quality and radiation dose of 3rd generation dual-source computed tomography (CT) using a tin-filtered 100 kV protocol in patients with suspected acute inflammatory sinus disease. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 109 consecutive patients who underwent CT (Siemens SOMATOM Force, Erlangen, Germany) of the paranasal sinus with a new tin-filtered scan-protocol (Sn100 kV; tube current 35 mAs) using iterative reconstruction. Two readers independently assessed subjective image quality using a five-point Likert scale (1 = excellent, 5 = non-diagnostic). Inter-observer agreement was calculated and expressed as percentage of agreement. Noise was determined for calculation of signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR). Effective radiation dose (ED) was calculated from the dose-length-product (DLP). Results: All examinations showed diagnostic image quality regarding evaluation of inflammatory sinus disease. On average, subjective general image quality was rated moderate (= 3) with a percentage of agreement between the observers of 81%. The mean image noise was 14.3 HU. The calculated median SNR was 6.0 for intraorbital fat, and 3.6 for the vitreous body, respectively. The median DLP was 2.1 mGy*cm, resulting in a median ED of 0.012 mSv. Conclusions: Taking the study limitations into account, ultra-low-dose tin-filtered CT of the paranasal sinus at a tube voltage of 100 kV utilizing an iterative reconstruction algorithm provides for reliable exclusion of suspected acute inflammatory sinus disease in 100% of the cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Nothosaurus from the Lower Keuper (Lettenkeuper, Ladinian, Erfurt Formation) of Vellberg-Eschenau, southern Germany, is described on the basis of a nearly complete skull that is only missing the lower jaw. Together with Nothosaurus edingerae, it is the only valid Nothosaurus species exclusively known from the Lower Keuper (Ladinian) of the Germanic Basin. Nothosaurus cristatus, sp. nov., differs from all other nothosaurs by exhibiting a postorbital that is excluded from the orbital margin by the postfrontal, the maxilla, and the jugal. The postfrontal and the maxilla form the posterior orbital margin exclusively. The parietal forms a pronounced and sharp crest anterior to the parietal foramen, which is unique among Nothosaurus. The ectopterygoid bears a long posterior process. A phylogenetic analysis of Nothosaurus cristatus, based on Liu et al. (2014, Scientific Reports 4:7142, doi: 10.1038/srep07142) with modified characters after Lin et al. (2017, Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, doi: 10.1080/02724634.2017.1278703), yielded a nearly unchanged topology that supported the monophyly of (N. jagisteus (N. cristatus (N. mirabilis + N. tchernovi))). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete skull and well-preserved postcranium of a dvinosaurian temnospondyl from the Carboniferous-Permian boundary of Germany is referred to a new genus and species, Trypanognathus remigiusbergensis. The skull closely resembles that of the early Permian dvinosaurian genus Trimerorhachis in outline and suture topology, but the occiput and the palate differ substantially. Derived states are the penetration of vomerine tusks through the splenial and symphyseal tusks through the premaxilla. Trypanognathus shares with dvinosauroids the lack of a squamosal embayment, an elongated basipterygoid process, a foreshortened palatine ramus exclusively reaching the ectopterygoid, the absence of pterygoid denticles, and enlarged palatal tusks. The body is elongate with well-ossified, but small limbs, the presacral count is ca. 28, and the pleurocentra are large and reached ventrally almost as far as the intercentrum. The new taxon nests within Dvinosauria above the trimerorhachid clade and Erpetosaurus, at the base of the broad-skulled dvinosauroids. Trypanognathus occurs in a tetrapod fauna that closely resembles early Permian assemblages of western North America, with which it shares sphenacodontid and edaphosaurid synapsids, as well as eryopid temnospondyls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can be widely used in imaging of bony structures of the anterior and lateral skull base. Significant differences of applied dosages result from the different protocols of the various indications. Objectives: CBCT is increasingly being used in head and neck imaging. Until now, no precise knowledge about its dedicated usage existed. Methods: All CBCT of 2012 and 2013 were analysed with regard to the technical parameters, the performance, and the indication for imaging. Results: In total, 1862 patients were examined in 2012 and 2013. The top eight indications of the anterior skull were (1) chronic rhinosinusitis with disturbed nasal breathing (30.3%); (2) chronic rhinosinusitis (17.6%); (3) midfacial traumatology (13.7%); (4) disturbed nasal breathing (12.8%); (5) acute rhinosinusitis (7.9%); (6) polyposis nasi (6.3%); (7) search for focus (3.9%); and (8) persistent rhinorrhea (1.2%). For the lateral skull base, the top eight were (1) control after cochlear implantation (28.4%); (2) cholesteatoma (19.7%); (3) visualization of ear anatomy (8.7%); (4) chronic otitis media mesotympanalis (6.3%); (5) conductive hearing loss (5.1%); (6) suspected mastoiditis (4.8%); (7) pathology of external auditory canal (4.8%); and (8) otosclerosis (3.3%). Applied dosage for the anterior skull base was significantly lower than for the lateral skull base (2.90 mGy vs 5.92 mGy, p < 0.05); 2.4% and 3.6% of patients' images, respectively, had to be repeated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined 131 European badgers Meles meles (Linnaeus, 1758) from 67 localities in central Germany for the presence of the cranial trematode Troglotrema acutum, as previous studies based on museum skulls might have underestimated the prevalence of the parasite in this host. We detected the flatworm in only three individuals that originated from the Rhoen Mountains (Thurigina and Bavaria). While the cranium of one host individual showed the lesions and the sponge-like widening of certain regions of the skullcap that are typical of a T. acutum infection, the skulls of the two remaining badgers did not show any deformations. The three badgers were infected by eight, 20, and 49 T. acutum individuals, respectively. Eggs of the trematode parasite were detected in the paranasal sinuses of two badgers. While badgers infected with T. acutum may not show any surface bone lesions, the results of the present study do not contradict the conclusion that the badger is only an accidental host of T. acutum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exiled French nobleman Adelbert von Chamisso (1781-1838) is mostly known as a poet of the Romantic era in Germany, but less so as a keen and accurate naturalist. Nevertheless, he was a much respected zoologist and botanist at his time. On board the Russian brig Rurik between 1815 and 1818 he explored some of the Pacific coasts and islands, from where he brought back not only rich collections of animals and plants, but also three human skulls. While those human remains depicted by the artist of the expedition, Ludwig Choris (1795-1828), were subsequently described by the anthropologist Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828) in Paris in some detail, three skulls originally given by Chamisso to the Anatomical Museum in Berlin fell into oblivion. From these three skulls collected in the Bering Strait and on the Aleutian Islands we were able to locate one of an Aleut from Unalaska, the second largest of the Aleutian Islands, to be still extant in the collection of the Anatomical Institute at the Charité in Berlin. For this skull we here document the anthropological data retrievable, add some remarks on the burial rites of the Aleuts at Chamisso's time, and reconstruct its odyssey through various collections over nearly two centuries. The skull stems from a senile Mongoloid male, most likely of Siberian origin (Buriat population), who was probably older than 60 years of age at time of death; its morphology is indicative of a Neo-Aleut population that colonized the Aleutian archipelago since the past 1,000 years. Our work shows that retrieving biohistorical data from museum collections has the potential to contribute toward reconstructing and to better understand in this case the native human population history. As prerequisite of any repatriation this is also of essential importance in context of the current restitution debate of anthropological objects as constituent elements of cultural identity and heritage of indigenous people. (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The holotype of cf. Halticosaurus orbitoangulatus Huene, 1932, comprises an incomplete and macerated but associated skull of an archosaurian reptile from the middle (second) Stubensandstein (middle Löwenstein Formation; Upper Triassic: Norian) of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It was originally interpreted as a theropod dinosaur but more recently it has been suggested that this taxon has crocodylomorph affinities. Detailed preparation of the holotype of cf. H. orbitoangulatus has revealed much new anatomical information and permitted reassessment of its affinities. The maxilla lacks both a distinct antorbital fossa and a medial bony lamina bordering the antorbital fenestra. The lateral surface of the dentary bears a pronounced horizontal ridge. The squamosal differs from that of basal crocodylomorphs in being L-shaped rather than arcuate in dorsal view, lacking a dorsolateral overhang, and lacking an interlocking contact with the paroccipital process as, for example, in the basal crocodylomorph Saltoposuchus connectens from the same horizon and locality. Phylogenetic analysis placed cf. H. orbitoangulatus amongst loricatan pseudosuchians (but not amongst Crocodylomorpha) rather than amongst theropod dinosaurs. The holotype of cf. H. orbitoangulatus represents a previously unrecognized taxon of loricatan pseudosuchian, which is here named Apatosuchus orbitoangulatus and set apart from other known Norian-age non-crocodylomorph loricatans by its apparently much smaller size. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schoch, R.R. & Witzmann, F. 2011: Cranial morphology of the plagiosaurid Gerrothorax pulcherrimus as an extreme example of evolutionary stasis. Lethaia, Vol. 45, pp. 371-385. The plagiosaurid Gerrothorax pulcherrimus from the Triassic of Greenland and Germany is represented by skulls ranging from 4 to 12 cm in length and sheds light on ontogeny, individual variation, and variation in time and space. Ontogeny was remarkably stable in G. pulcherrimus, with the smallest known specimens resembling the adults closely in most features. A true ontogenetic change is evident in the ornament of dermal bones, in that the smallest specimens have ridges whereas in the successively larger ones, pustules spread over increasingly larger areas. The skull becomes proportionally longer, and the adductor chambers relatively narrower. The positive allometry of both the orbits and the interpterygoid vacuities suggests that the eye supporting musculature - rather than the jaw adductors - increased proportionally during growth. Individual, not age-related variation in the dermal skull roof affects partial fusion of parietals, presence and extent of the interfrontoparietal, and the morphological pattern of the posterior skull table. The ventral surface of the basal plate of the parasphenoid ranges from smooth over poorly to heavily ornamented or dentigerous. Considering the impressive longevity of more than 35 Myr, the morphological changes of G. pulcherrimus are minor. Our ecological interpretation for G. pulcherrimus is that it relied on the permanent presence of water, but was flexible with respect to the size and nature of the water body as well as to changes in salinity. The unparalleled extent of evolutionary stasis may therefore be based on the ecological flexibility of this morphologically so tightly constrained temnospondyl. □ Ecological flexibility, ontogeny, Temnospondyli, Triassic, variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An incomplete skull (SMNS 12352) from the Norian (Late Triassic), found at the same locality (Pfaffenhofen, Germany) as Procompsognathus triassicus, has previously been attributed to either a theropod or a crocodylomorph. The specimen is partially embedded in matrix and, therefore, was CT scanned so that the concealed portion could be visualized and a 3D model could be printed by means of rapid prototyping. Mainly based on the separation between the nasal and the antorbital fossa, the skull likely pertains to an indeterminate basal crocodylomorph (non-Crocodyliformes), which is, however, distinct from Saltoposuchus connectens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A nearly complete specimen of a sarcopterygian fish from the Lower Permian (Autunian) of the Saar-Nahe Basin, southwest Germany, is described as a new genus and species of megalichthyids, Palatinichthys laticeps. It is characterized by the following unique list of characters: (1) lacrimal forms lateral margin of external naris, (2) postparietal short with respect to parietal, (3) tabular broad and shorter than supratemporal, (4) anterior margin of median extrascapular very narrow, (5) supraorbitals short, thus parietal and intertemporal participating in formation of orbital margin, (6) distance between external naris and orbit very short, and (7) squamosal abbreviated and deep. A phylogenetic analysis finds a monophyletic Megalichthyidae consisting of two clades, (Palatinichthys nov. gen.+ Ectosteorhachis) and [(Megalichthys + Sengoerichthys)+ Cladarosymblema)]. The sister taxa Palatinichthys nov. gen. and Ectosteorhachis share a short posterior skull table as a derived character, whereas Megalichthys, Sengoerichthys and Cladarosymblema retain an elongate postorbital region of the skull, regarded as plesiomorphic for “osteolepiforms”. After their nearly worldwide distribution in the Late Devonian and Carboniferous, megalichthyids had become rare in the Permian and have so far been reported only from North America (Ectosteorhachis) and Norway (?Megalichthys). Palatinichthys nov. gen. is a further representative within the European-North American equatorial distribution of megalichthyids during the Permian. It was probably not a common inhabitant of the large Saar-Nahe lakes. Rather, it might have lived in a different habitat within the same general area, such as deltaic streams or rivers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The complete neurocranium plus palatoquadrate of the plagiosaurid temnospondyl Gerrothorax pulcherrimus from the Middle Triassic of Germany is described for the first time, based on outer morphological observations and micro-CT scanning. The exoccipitals are strong elements with paroccipital processes and well-separated occipital condyles. Anterolaterally, the exoccipitals contact the otics, which are mediolaterally elongated and have massive lateral walls. The otics contact the basisphenoid, which shows well-developed sellar processes. Anteriorly, the basisphenoid is continuous with the sphenethmoid region. In its posterior portion, the sphenethmoid gives rise to robust, laterally directed laterosphenoid walls, a unique morphology among basal tetrapods. The palatoquadrate is extensively ossified. The quadrate portion overlaps the descending lamina of squamosal and ascending lamina of pterygoid anteriorly, almost contacting the epipterygoid laterally. The epipterygoid is a complex element and may be co-ossified with otics and laterosphenoid walls. It has a broad, sheet-like footplate and a horizontally aligned ascending process that contacts the laterosphenoid walls. The degree of ossification of the epipterygoid, however, is subject to individual variation obviously independent from ontogenetic changes. The stapes of Gerrothorax is a large, blade-like element that differs conspicuously from the plesiomorphic temnospondyl condition. It has a prominent anterolateral projection which has not been observed in other basal tetrapods. Morphology of neurocranium and palatoquadratum of Gerrothorax most closely resembles that of the Russian plagiosaurid Plagiosternum danilovi, although the elements are less ossified in the latter. The extensive endocranial ossification of Gerrothorax is consistent with the general high degree of ossification in the exo- and endoskeleton of this temnospondyl and supports the view that a strong endocranial ossification cannot be evaluated as a plesiomorphic character in basal tetrapods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tambaroter carrolli is a new genus and species of medium-sized ostodolepid 'microsaur' from the Lower Permian Tambach Formation, lowermost formational unit of the Upper Rotliegend, Thuringia, central Germany. Based on a single skull, it is the first 'microsaur' to be described from this formation and the first vertebrate fossil known from the Tambach Formation outside of the well-known, nearby Bromacker locality. It possesses typical ostodolepid features, including presence of a recumbent snout, ventral embayment of the cheek, a notch in the posterolateral margin of the tabular, and a well-developed retroarticular process. It can be distinguished from other ostodolepids by proportional characters and bones forming the cheek embayment rim. The presence of Tambaroter in Europe, as the first ostodolepid known from outside of the midcontinent of North America, indicates that the geographic occurrence of this family was more widespread than previously known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The periorbital morphology of goniopholidids is discussed, exploring the diversity of patterns and the relevance of the data for phylogenetic studies. Revision of material is focused on Goniopholis spp. and aff. Goniopholis spp., from England, Germany, and Belgium, providing a comparative description of their interorbital morphology. Traditional interpretation of the interorbital elements in species of Goniopholis (G. simus, G. baryglyphaeus), where the frontal is interpreted as excluded from the orbit by a prefrontal-postorbital contact in the skull roof, is contested and clarified through the analysis of new specimens, including a morphometric analysis. In Goniopholis, failure to identify the palpebral and its subtle contact with the prefrontal has lead to misinterpretation of elements and structures near the orbit, and the differential preservation/loss of palpebrals explains variability of the orbit in shape and orientation. In all European goniophilidids the frontal reaches the primary orbital border and there is no prefrontal-postorbital contact on the dorsal surface of the skull. Extensive contact of the palpebral with the primary orbital border creates a secondary (functional) orbital border, from which the frontal is excluded in most taxa. The condition is not exclusive of European goniopholidids and is paralleled by protosuchids, peirosaurids, and baurusuchids. At least four main morphological patterns are recognized, revealing a high diversity of European goniopholidids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rediscovered holotype skulls of Late Pleistocene Panthera leo spelaea ( Goldfuss, 1810 ) (Felidae) and Crocuta crocuta spelaea ( Goldfuss, 1823 ) (Hyaenidae) from the Zoolithen Cave at Burggeilenreuth, southern Germany, are discussed. The cave became famous mainly due to its rich cave bear bone remains from the late Saalian (OIS 6–8) to Eemian/Weichselian (OIS 3–6) including additionally a third holotype of Ursus spelaeus Rosenmüller, 1794 (Ursidae). The ‘ Felis spelaea’ holotype represents an adult male with a strong bite mark on the saggital crest, which was in an early stage of healing. Compared with other European Late Pleistocene lion skulls and skeletons, and with modern African lions, it provides evidence of intraspecific conflict between male Ice Age lions. The holotype of ‘ Hyaena spelaea’ is one of several hundred hyena remains from a well-frequented hyena den cave. The cave was used intensively by Late Pleistocene hyena clans, for collecting lion carcasses in addition to their accustomed prey, as happened in many caves throughout Europe. Ice Age spotted hyena clans might have killed Ice Age steppe lions for many reasons, such as fights over prey and territory, and the protection of cubs, but they did not always scavenge on their carcasses. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 154, 822–831. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Strong correlation in shape of hard tissue rhinion and soft tissue pronasale. • Validation of nose tip shape estimation: Davy-Jow method revised. • Angle of tilt varies significantly depending on nose shape (upturned, horizontal, downturned). • Method applicable to all nose shapes within modern German population. • Easy to use method for craniofacial approximation/depiction/reconstruction. Several methods aid with reconstructing features of the human nose, including angle, projection and width, but only one study by Davy-Jow et al. (2012) has focused on nose tip shape. The main finding was that the shape of the nasal bridge is consistent with the shape of the nose tip. The study also theorised that the method would not be suitable for snub (upturned) noses. Although promising, further investigation with a larger sample of different origin would be of benefit. In addition, grouping samples into upturned, horizontal and downturned nose tips could reveal the need for a difference in the applied method. The approach has been recreated with a larger sample size (N = 103 versus N = 25) derived from a modern German population. Based on soft tissue models, the individuals were firstly grouped into three categories; upturned, horizontal, and downturned noses. Computed Tomography (CT) data allowed the simultaneous visualisation of both skull and (semi-transparent) facial surfaces. Each head was viewed frontally in the Frankfurt Horizontal Plane (FHP), and then tilted back until the nasal tip superimposed the nasal bridge, with the angle of tilt measured from the FHP. The results show that the angle of tilt is significantly different for upturned, horizontal, and downturned noses, but that it can be equally applied to all three groups. The mean angle was 44° for upturned noses, 51° for horizontal, and 56° for downturned. Error studies suggest a very high accuracy and repeatability with intra-class correlation coefficients of 0.991 (inter-observer error) and 0.972 (intra-observer error) respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed anatomy of the braincase and stapes of the subadult specimen of Diadectes absitus from early Permian sediments of Germany are described for the first time based on the high-resolution X-ray microcomputed tomography. In contrast to previous studies of Diadectes, the bones of the braincase (opisthotic, prootic, supraoccipital, basioccipital, exoccipital, basisphenoid, and sphenethmoid), and parasphenoid of D. absitus are not co-ossified, but suturally defined. This has allowed for a reconstruction of a complete braincase with all sutures between the individual bones. The opisthotic, prootic, and supraocciptal contain a well-preserved endosseous labyrinth. The three-dimensional-reconstruction of its cavities shows a well-preserved vestibule, three semicircular canals, and well-developed cochlear recess. In addition, a shallow subarcuate fossa is present on the ventral surface of the supraoccipital, which lies medial to the anterior semicircular canal. A typical feature of the diadectid braincase is the presence of the otic tube leading from the fenestra vestibuli to the vestibule. A revision of the topology of this structure is presented here. Here, we describe new structures of the stapes, especially in its proximal portion, as well as its position to the fenestra vestibuli. These structures are described for the first time not only in D. absitus, but for the genus., (© 2020 American Association for Anatomy.)

The article offers information regarding the mystery of the 180-year-old skull of poet Friedrich Schiller in Germany. Scientists have dug up the bodies of the wife and son of Schiller in hopes of solving the true identity of the two skulls that are found in the poet's tomb. The Weimar Classics Foundation and a German television channel are funding the study to come up with a definitive answer regarding the mystery. Scientists will build face reconstructions of the two skulls, as well as compare the skulls' DNA samples from the bones of Schiller's wife and son. According to Ursula Wittmer-Backofen, Schiller will be lost forever if neither of the skull is a match.

This study investigates patterns of mobility in Early Medieval Bavaria through a combined study of diet and associated burial practice. Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were analyzed in human bone samples from the Late Roman cemetery of Klettham and from the Early Medieval cemeteries of Altenerding and Straubing-Bajuwarenstrasse. For dietary comparison, samples of faunal bone from one Late Roman and three Early Medieval settlement sites were also analyzed. The results indicate that the average diet was in keeping with a landlocked environment and fairly limited availability of freshwater or marine resources. The diet appears not to have changed significantly from the Late Roman to the Early Medieval period. However, in the population of Altenerding, there were significant differences in the diet of men and women, supporting a hypothesis of greater mobility among women. Furthermore, the isotopic evidence from dietary outliers is supported by "foreign" grave goods and practices, such as artificial skull modification. These results reveal the potential of carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis for questions regarding migration and mobility., (© 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Of the 384 skulls from the early medieval period, 8 (2.1%) exhibited trepanations. Three skulls showed trepanations in the proximity of fractures. One case of infection after borrhole trepanation that resulted in death is identifiable. Seven skulls showed clear evidence of healing and survival after trepanation. The mortality and infection rates for trepanation were low during the 6th to 8th centuries in southwestern Germany.

In 1978 three well-preserved pieces of a fossil human cranium (i.e., fused parietals, occipital and temporal) were found in a gravel pit near the southwest German town of Reilingen. It was recovered, with an accompanying mammalian fauna, as a side-product of commercial gravel mining. The sample was sorted from the dredgings of a boat-mounted crane reaching to a depth of 28 m below the surface. Here we present the mammalian fauna and discuss its biostratigraphical relevance. The fauna represents a mixture of Holstein interglacial to Würm glacial species. The occurrence of Holsteinian faunal components is indicated by presence of the extinct beaver, Trogontherium. Given the good preservation of specimens found at the lowest levels we can rule out reworking. The accompanying fauna indicates a Holstein to Würm time span bracketing the fossil hominid population.