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Since the 2000s, the proposal to recognize geoparks as territories that promote the heritage of the Earth and sustain local communities through the conservation and sustainable use of their heritage has been established as a new paradigm in terms of territorial development. In this sense, the objective of this article is to present the most relevant geopatronal and landscape aspects inventoried in the territory of the Fourth Colony (RS), as well as the construction trajectory of this project until the submission of the application dossier to the UNESCO World Geopark. The territory consists of nine municipalities, with just over sixty thousand inhabitants, extending for 2,923 km², demarcating the transition between the Brazilian Southern Plateau and the Peripheral Depression from Rio Grande do Sul. The main geopatrimonial highlight is the presence of one of the most important fossiliferous assemblies of the Triassic world. Added to this is the great diversity of natural landscapes found in the territory and the integrity of the cultural heritage associated with the migratory waves of the nineteenth century in the region, especially Italians and Germans. The territory dossier has 31 geosites of geopatrimonial value (distributed among the categories of fossiliferous, lithological/sedimentological, fluvial/hydrogeological and geomorphological value) and 23 sites linked to other forms of patrimonial value (ecological, scenic, historical-cultural and/or archaeological value). The article discusses, at the end, the strategies currently underway for a holistic management of the territory and its heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Triassic of South America is known for its wide fossil diversity, which includes several terrestrial tetrapods, such as (but not restricted to) non-mammaliaform cynodonts, dicynodonts, early archosauromorphs, procolophonoids, pseudosuchians, and dinosaurs. However, carnivore archosaurs are rare from Brazilian Norian outcrops, being represented by sparse records of dinosaurs, one phytosaur, and some indeterminate isolated teeth. The São Luiz fossil site is one of Brazil's most iconic Norian outcrops, and a great diversity of fossils has already been found there. Most of them, however, are remains of small-sized taxa (less than 40 cm). Here, we describe an isolated tooth of a comparatively large archosaur from this site. The morphology of the new specimen indicates affinities with archosaurs, with serrations restricted to its distal carina and composed of sub-quadrangular denticles with a density of two to three denticles per millimeter. Despite being isolated, this new record adds information on the São Luiz outcrop diversity, indicating the presence of a still undescribed medium/large-sized carnivore. • The morphology of the new specimen CAPPA/UFSM 0050 indicates affinities with archosaurs. • This new record adds information to the vertebrate diversity of the São Luiz outcrop, Late Triassic from Brazil. • This new record indicates the presence of a still undescribed medium/large-sized carnivore for this locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sauropodomorph dinosaur from the Late Triassic Candelária Sequence (Santa Maria Formation), south Brazil, Bagualosaurus agudoensis gen. et sp. nov. helps to fill a morphological gap between the previously known Carnian members of the group and younger sauropodomorphs. In some aspects, the skull, lower jaw, and dental anatomy of the new taxon approaches that seen in Norian forms like Pantydraco caducus, Efraasia minor, and Plateosaurus engelhardti. On the contrary, the post-cranial skeleton is broadly reminiscent of coeval, early dinosaurs. Although not reaching the size of most Norian and younger sauropodomorphs, B. agudoensis is significantly larger than coeval forms. The new data thus suggest that modifications in skull anatomy, possibly related to more efficient herbivorous habits, appeared early in sauropodomorph evolution, along with a moderate increase in size, followed in post-Carnian times by further increase in size, accompanied by more radical changes in post-cranial anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new Upper Triassic fossiliferous outcrop, the Niemeyer Site, from the Santa Maria Supersequence (Paraná Basin, Southern Brazil) is reported. The lithology found in this locality is consistent with that found in the Candelária Sequence. The high prevalence of traversodontid cynodonts in this site is particularly notable, with collected specimens mostly composed of isolated bones and fragmentary specimens, but also including well-preserved skulls and mandibles. Probainognathian cynodonts and archosauromorphs are also present, but they are rare in comparison. There is a predominance of Voorhies Group III (Group III > Group I > Group II) for the specimens so far collected. These data, as well as the sedimentary data of the outcrop, indicate a mostly autochthonous fossiliferous assemblage. Some specimens display evidence of ichnological activity of invertebrate scavengers (bone alteration comprising small tubules, channels and isolated boreholes). A remarkable aspect of this site is the presence of a new traversodontid cynodont closely related to Exaeretodon. Although similar to the former taxon, the new taxonomic unit shows a unique combination of several craniodental features not present in other cynodonts. Given that no traversodontids are recorded in the uppermost levels of the Candelária Sequence, this site is likely placed in the lower levels of this unit, with the fauna suggesting a Carnian age. Highlights • A new fossiliferous outcrop from the Upper Triassic of South America is described. • The fossil content of this outcrop differs from the well-known Assemblage Zones of Santa Maria Supersequence. • It is remarkable the high amount of traversodontid cynodonts. • A new taxon of traversodontid cynodont, Siriusgnathus niemeyerorum , is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The axial skeleton is proportionally underrepresented in the fossil record of early dinosaurs, when compared to other skeletal parts (e.g., pelvic girdle and hindlimb). For instance, the axis is poorly known in early dinosaurs, which precludes a better understanding of this important anatomical structure. Therefore, the present contribution fills an important gap with a description of the axis of a new early dinosaur (CAPPA/UFSM 0179). The specimen was collected at the Buriol outcrop, a Triassic fossiliferous locality from southern Brazil (Candelária Sequence, Santa Maria Supersequence) biostratigraphically correlated to Carnian units, placing this specimen among the oldest dinosaurs worldwide. Notable features include the combination of a neural spine that bears an almost straight dorsal margin along its length and presence of an epipophysis. This axis arrangement is unique among Carnian dinosaurs, representing a new morphotype, though a similar morphology is observed in some early theropods. Indeed, a phylogenetic analysis nested the specimen within Theropoda. However, this outcome is probably biased by the large amount of missing data in CAPPA/UFSM 0179 and also due to the limited sampling of the axis in early dinosaurs, particularly among sauropodomorphs. As the specimen comes from the site that includes Buriolestes schultzi (an early sauropodomorph), it is quite plausible that CAPPA/UFSM 0179 might be referable to that taxon. If so, the specimen improves the anatomical knowledge of Buriolestes schultzi, given its axis is yet unknown. An alternative possibility to be considered is that the specimen would belong to a dinosaur not yet known in the Candelária Sequence, which would increase its dinosaur diversity for the outcrop, improving the Triassic dinosaurian record from Southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The axial skeleton is proportionally underrepresented in the fossil record of early dinosaurs, when compared to other skeletal parts (e.g., pelvic girdle and hindlimb). For instance, the axis is poorly known in early dinosaurs, which precludes a better understanding of this important anatomical structure. Therefore, the present contribution fills an important gap with a description of the axis of a new early dinosaur (CAPPA/UFSM 0179). The specimen was collected at the Buriol outcrop, a Triassic fossiliferous locality from southern Brazil (Candelária Sequence, Santa Maria Supersequence) biostratigraphically correlated to Carnian units, placing this specimen among the oldest dinosaurs worldwide. Notable features include the combination of a neural spine that bears an almost straight dorsal margin along its length and presence of an epipophysis. This axis arrangement is unique among Carnian dinosaurs, representing a new morphotype, though a similar morphology is observed in some early theropods. Indeed, a phylogenetic analysis nested the specimen within Theropoda. However, this outcome is probably biased by the large amount of missing data in CAPPA/UFSM 0179 and also due to the limited sampling of the axis in early dinosaurs, particularly among sauropodomorphs. As the specimen comes from the site that includes Buriolestes schultzi (an early sauropodomorph), it is quite plausible that CAPPA/UFSM 0179 might be referable to that taxon. If so, the specimen improves the anatomical knowledge of Buriolestes schultzi, given its axis is yet unknown. An alternative possibility to be considered is that the specimen would belong to a dinosaur not yet known in the Candelária Sequence, which would increase its dinosaur diversity for the outcrop, improving the Triassic dinosaurian record from Southern Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Triassic deposits of South America are key to understand the early radiation of Dinosauromorpha. Though the fossil record of the group is relatively abundant in Carnian- and Norian-aged strata from Argentina and Brazil, Middle Triassic dinosauromorphs are scarce, at least in the Brazilian record. In this contribution, we describe a set of fossils collected from a site biostratigraphically correlated to the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone, which is regarded as Ladinian in age. Within the sample, we identified a single partial ilium with anatomical features consistent with Silesauridae. As a result, we propose a new taxon, Gamatavus antiquus gen. et sp. nov. as the first silesaurid from the Brazilian Middle Triassic. Biostratigraphic comparisons suggest the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone to be older than the Argentinean Massetognathus - Chanaresuchus AZ, rendering the new specimen also the oldest South American silesaurid. This contribution adds to recent works that suggest biostratigraphical similarity between the Brazilian Dinodontosaurus AZ and the African Lifua Member and Ntawere Formation, from where the oldest dinosauromorph records are registered. • A new silesaurid, Gamatavus antiquus , is described. • The new material represents the oldest occurrence of the group in South America. • This is the first silesaurid record for the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone. • It increases the similarity of the faunal content of Middle Triassic units in Brazil, Tanzania and Zambia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loricata is a group of hypercarnivorous pseudosuchian archosaurs that reached the status of top predators in ecosystems from the Middle to Late Triassic. Although the record of taxa pertaining to this group is abundant in rocks of the lower portion of the Santa Maria Supersequence (Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence, Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone) of southern Brazil, it becomes far scarcer in subsequent units (i.e., Santa Cruz Sequence, Santacruzodon Assemblage Zone; Candelária Sequence, Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone) and even absent (upper Candelária Sequence, Riograndia Assemblage Zone). Therefore, it is important to reference and study new specimens of the latter units. Herein, we report a new record of Loricata based on a fragmentary specimen of the lower Candelária Sequence. Its morphology, along with a phylogenetic analysis, support the loricatan affinities of this new specimen, although its fragmentary nature precludes less-inclusive associations. So far, the only loricatan collected for the lower portion of the Candelária Sequence was Rauisuchus tiradentes , known from several elements, most of which may represent a single individual. Thus the new specimen adds to the record of loricatans in this unit. • Loricata is a group of hypercarnivorous pseudosuchian that reached the status of top predators in ecosystems from the Middle to Late Triassic. • Although the record of basal Loricata is abundant in rocks of the lower portion of the Santa Maria Supersequence of southern Brazil, it becomes far scarcer in subsequent units, and even absent. • This study reports a new record of basal Loricata based on a fragmentary specimen of the Candelária Sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A histological investigation of the feeding apparatus of a Stereosternum specimen revealed a great number of adaptations in the structure and insertion of teeth, to deal with breakage risks. The tooth wall is composed of different layers of dentine, varying in orientation and composition. This mixed arrangement may have increased tooth resistance to lateral tension. The tooth insertion also involves more than one mechanism. The teeth are located inside shallow tooth sockets and are held in place by a tripartite periodontium (composed of alveolar bone, cementum and possibly soft periodontal tissue) and accessory structures, here termed anchorage trabeculae (mainly composed of cementum). Fully grown teeth are ankylosed to the bottom of the tooth socket. The recognition of alveolar bone and cementum (and the possible presence of a soft periodontal ligament) reinforces the idea that these tissues were widespread among Amniota, not being exclusive to mammals and archosaurs. The adaptations identified here reinforce the hypothesis that Stereosternum was an active aquatic predator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vila Botucaraí site is located west of the municipality of Candelária, Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil, and is particularly important because it represents the type locality of the species Exaeretodon riograndensis (Cynodontia, Traversodontidae), Charruodon tetracuspidatus (Cynodontia, Probainognathia) and Proterochampsa nodosa (Archosauriformes, Proterochampsidae). The site is correlated to the Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone whose fossiliferous content allows to correlate it to the lower half of the Ischigualasto Formation (Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin), of late Carnian age, in Argentina. The aim of this study is to record the first remains of dinosaurs from this locality, found in 2001 during the Pró-Guaiba Project and stored in the Scientific Collection of the Paleontology Section of the Museu de Ciências Naturais, Secretaria Estadual do Meio Ambiente e Infraestrutura, Porto Alegre, RS. In addition to the taxa mentioned at the Vila Botucaraí site, the archosauromorph Hyperodapedon sp. was also preliminarily recorded. The Dinosauria specimen includes four dorsal vertebrae (MCN-PV 10347a, b, c, d). The general characteristics observed are: (i) absence of a ventral keel in the vertebral centra, shared with Guaibasaurus , Bagualosaurus , Pampadromaeus ; (ii) amphicoelic centra with concave ventral surface, shared with Bagualosaurus , Guaibasaurus , and most non-sauropod sauropodomorphs (exceptions are, for example, Riojasaurus ; also, this character does not appear in herrerasaurids); (iii) vertebral laminae connected to the diapophysis, and their arrangement results in different fossae, as in Bagualosaurus , Buriolestes , Guaibasaurus , and herrerasaurids; (iv) neural spine anteroposteriorly elongated and transversely narrow, as in Bagualosaurus , Pampadromaeus , Buriolestes , Macrocollum , differing from herrerasaurids and theropods. This set of characters is similar to that observed in basal sauropodomorphs, quite different from the neural spine with a spine table, such as the observed in herrerasaurids. Specimen MCN-PV 10347 is here considered a member of the Sauropodomorpha clade and tentatively identified as cf. Bagualosauria. The features of this specimen are shared among Carnian (e.g., Buriolestes schultzi , Bagualosaurus agudoensis) and Norian (e.g., Unaysaurus tolentinoi , Guaibasaurus candelariensis) sauropodomorphs. In addition to this, the new material expands the knowledge regarding the number of outcrops with the occurrence of sauropodomorphs for the Triassic in Brazil, as well as about the paleofauna of the Vila Botucaraí site, allowing us to infer its biostratigraphic correlation with one of the sub-divisions already proposed for the Hyperodapedon AZ, the Exaeretodon Subzone, interpreted as the top of this AZ. Despite the abundance of sauropodomorphs in Rio Grande do Sul, this record confirms the occurrence of this clade at the Hyperodapedon AZ in the Candelária region. • Taxonomic analysis of the dorsal vertebrae of a non-sauropod sauropodomorph. • The correlations of coeval extracts within the of Hyperodapedon AZ. • First record of a dinosaur cf. Bagualosauria outside the locality -type of Bagualosaurus agudoensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our knowledge on the anatomy of the first dinosaurs (Late Triassic, 235–205 Ma) has drastically increased in the last years, mainly due to several new findings of exceptionally well‐preserved specimens. Nevertheless, some structures such as the neurocranium and its associated structures (brain, labyrinth, cranial nerves, and vasculature) remain poorly known, especially due to the lack of specimens preserving a complete and articulated neurocranium. This study helps to fill this gap by investigating the endocranial cavity of one of the earliest sauropodomorphs, Buriolestes schultzi, from the Upper Triassic (Carnian—c. 233 Ma) of Brazil. The endocranial anatomy of this animal sheds light on the ancestral condition of the brain of sauropodomorphs, revealing an elongated olfactory tract combined to a relatively small pituitary gland and well‐developed flocculus of the cerebellum. These traits change drastically across the evolutionary history of sauropodomorphs, reaching the opposite morphology in Jurassic times. Furthermore, we present here the first calculations of the Reptile Encephalization Quotient (REQ) for a Triassic dinosaur. The REQ of B. schultzi is lower than that of Jurassic theropods, but higher than that of later sauropodomorphs. The combination of cerebral, dental, and postcranial data suggest that B. schultzi was an active small predator, able to track moving prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper Triassic (Carnian) strata from the Candelária Sequence of southern Brazil bear the oldest records of dinosaurs worldwide. In consequence, investigation of the specimens yielded by these fossiliferous units is crucial for a more comprehensive knowledge regarding the origin, early diversification and radiation of dinosaurs. Herein we reassess a dinosaur specimen from Brazil, informally known as the 'Big Saturnalia', a supposed large-sized sauropodomorph unearthed at the 'Cerro da Alemoa' locality in Santa Maria municipality, Rio Grande do Sul State. However, our phylogenetic analyses and comparisons of the known elements of this specimen resulted in herrerasaurid affinities instead. In fact, it is the largest specimen so far of a herrerasaurid from the Candelária Sequence. It preserves cranial and postcranial elements, with the former being unprecedented for dinosaurs from the Alemoa local fauna. The morphology of the specimen allows new insights into the anatomy, evolution and distribution of some character states among Herrerasauridae, including but not limited to the typical craniocaudally short caudal dorsal vertebrae. Moreover, the specimen adds to the dinosauromorph diversity in the Carnian units of southern Brazil and its large size provides further support for herrerasaurids as top-tier predators during the dawn of dinosaurs in south-western Pangaea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the earliest known evidence of osteophagy by invertebrates in a continental setting from the Middle and Upper Triassic Santa Maria Supersequence, Paraná Basin, Brazil. Samples from the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone (Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence – Middle Triassic) and the Hyperodapedon Assemblage Zone (Candelária Sequence – Upper Triassic) were analyzed and a number of trace morphologies were found, including tubes, holes and channels. We report the occurrence of Cubiculum inornatus from the Middle Triassic and Osteocallis mandibulus from the Upper Triassic and diagnose a new ichnospecies O. infestans isp. nov. The occurrence of these trace morphologies suggests that insect bone-modification behavior originated in Triassic Gondwanic environments, and dispersed during the Mesozoic, achieving a more cosmopolitan distribution during the Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origin of the air sac system present in birds has been an enigma for decades. Skeletal pneumaticity related to an air sac system is present in both derived non-avian dinosaurs and pterosaurs. But the question remained open whether this was a shared trait present in the common avemetatarsalian ancestor. We analyzed three taxa from the Late Triassic of South Brazil, which are some of the oldest representatives of this clade (233.23 ± 0.73 Ma), including two sauropodomorphs and one herrerasaurid. All three taxa present shallow lateral fossae in the centra of their presacral vertebrae. Foramina are present in many of the fossae but at diminutive sizes consistent with neurovascular rather than pneumatic origin. Micro-tomography reveals a chaotic architecture of dense apneumatic bone tissue in all three taxa. The early sauropodomorphs showed more complex vascularity, which possibly served as the framework for the future camerate and camellate pneumatic structures of more derived saurischians. Finally, the evidence of the absence of postcranial skeletal pneumaticity in the oldest dinosaurs contradicts the homology hypothesis for an invasive diverticula system and suggests that this trait evolved independently at least 3 times in pterosaurs, theropods, and sauropodomorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proterochampsidae are a group of predatory, putatively semi-aquatic, archosauriforms endemic to the Middle and Upper Triassic strata of Argentina and Brazil (Ischigualasto Formation and Santa Maria Supersequence). Here, the Brazilian species Proterochampsa nodosa from the Candelária Sequence (Santa Maria Supersequence of the Paraná Basin) is revisited with a detailed description, phylogenetic analysis and taxonomic revaluation. Through the application of computed tomographic scans, we were able to reveal part of the previously hidden morphology of its mandible and palate. We also discuss further differences between P. nodosa and P. barrionuevoi. The new phylogenetic analysis bolsters the monophyly of Proterochampsidae, the genus Proterochampsa and its position as the basalmost proterochampsid taxon in the clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study the postcranial morphology (humerus, ulna, innominate, femur, tibia, astragalus, navicular, and metatarsal III) of Neoepiblema, a giant Late Miocene South American rodent, searching for evidence about its paleobiology based on unpublished specimens from Solimões Formation (Upper Miocene, Brazil). The study includes a morphofunctional analysis of the postcranial bones and a comparison with extant and extinct rodents, especially Phoberomys. The morphofunctional analysis of the postcranial bones suggests that Neoepiblema (as well as Phoberomys) would have a crouched forelimb that was not fully extended, with powerful pectoral and triceps musculature, and able to produce movements of pronation/supination and possibly with a hand able to grasp. The combination of characters of the innominate bone, femur, and tibia indicates a predominance of parasagittal movements and a thigh with powerful musculature used during propulsion. In sum, the analyzed postcranial features are consistent with the limb morphology of ambulatory rodents, but with faculty to dig or swim. The sedimentary evidence of the localities in which fossils of neoepiblemids have been found suggests that these rodents lived in wet and water-related environments (near swamps, lakes, and/or rivers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fusion of the sacrum occurs in the major dinosaur lineages, i.e. ornithischians, theropods, and sauropodomorphs, but it is unclear if this trait is a common ancestral condition, or if it evolved independently in each lineage, or even how or if it is related to ontogeny. In addition, the order in which the different structures of the sacrum are fused, as well as the causes that lead to this co‐ossification, are poorly understood. Herein, we described the oldest record of fused sacral vertebrae within dinosaurs, based on two primordial sacral vertebrae from the Late Triassic of Candelária Sequence, southern Brazil. We used computed microtomography (micro‐CT) to analyze the extent of vertebral fusion, which revealed that it occurred only between the centra. We also assessed the occurrence of sacral fusion in Dinosauria and close relatives. The degree of fusion observed in representatives of the major dinosaur lineages suggested that there may be a sequential pattern of fusion of the elements of the sacrum, more clearly observed in Sauropodomorpha. Our analyses suggest that primordial sacral vertebrae fuse earlier in the lineage (as seen in Norian sauropodomorphs). Intervertebral fusion is observed to encompass progressively more vertebral units as sauropodomorphs evolve, reaching up to five or more fully fused sacrals in Neosauropoda. Furthermore, the new specimen described here indicates that the fusion of sacral elements occurred early in the evolution of dinosaurs. Factors such as ontogeny and the increase in body size, combined with the incorporation of vertebrae to the sacrum may have a significant role in the process and in the variation of sacral fusion observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traversodontidae is a less inclusive clade of cynognathian cynodonts that lived during the Triassic. Recently, a traversodontid from the southern Brazilian Triassic beds was described – Siriusgnathus niemeyerorum – based upon specimens found exclusively in its type-locality. No absolute age or index fossils have been reported for this locality, which prevents an accurate biostratigraphic correlation. In the present contribution, we describe the first specimens of S. niemeyerorum found outside its type-locality, comprising skull portions excavated from outcrops in southern Brazil assigned to the Caturrita Formation (upper portion of the Candelária Sequence), Upper Triassic (Norian), Riograndia Assemblage Zone. As a result, we provide an updated biostratigraphic framework and suggest a Norian age for the type-locality of S. niemeyerorum , which, accordingly, possibly comprises the youngest South American traversodontid, pending additional geochronological studies in order to properly evaluate this hypothesis. • New specimens of the traversodontid Siriusgnathus niemeyerorum are described. • They represent the first records of S. niemeyerorum outside its type-locality. • The studied sites are assigned to the Riograndia Assemblage Zone, Norian. • Siriusgnathus niemeyerorum may be the youngest known South American traversodontid so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loricatans have an almost worldwide distribution, with a diverse range of body plans and a temporal distribution that extends from the Triassic Period until the present. Middle-Upper Triassic strata from southern Brazil preserved several records of Loricata traditionally bundled as 'Rauisuchians', including Prestosuchus chiniquensis , Decuriasuchus quartacolonia , Dagasuchus santacruzensis and Rauisuchus tirandentes. In this study we describe isolated vertebrae, scapula and ilium from the Dinodontosaurus Association Zone, which are compatible in terms of morphology, size and stratigraphical context to the other early Loricata from this unit. The ilium in particular was recognized as pertaining to the genus Prestosuchus. This assignation is supported by the shared dorsally concave curvature of the iliac blade, which was recovered as a synapomorphy for the genus in a phylogenetic analysis. Therefore, this contribution presents new comparative material, especially in the case of poorly sampled elements for the genus (such as the ilium). Additionally, the Linha Várzea Site, where the materials come from, is added to the map of records of Loricata from the Brazilian Triassic. • Highlights of the article "New Loricata remains from the Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence (Middle-Upper Triassic), southern Brazil". • New record of Loricata from a Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone paleontological site. • Higher support of the genus Prestosuchus in the data matrix with a new caracter. • A well-preserved ilium assigned to Prestosuchus sp. materials. • The materials represent some of the largest individuals of Loricata from the Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paraná Basin was filled by a sedimentary package deposited in successive sedimentation episodes related to the tectonic events that hit the SW portion of the Gondwana. The Triassic portion of this package, known worldwide for its continental tetrapod fauna, occurs only in the southern portion of the basin and is represented by 2 s-order sequences: the Sanga do Cabral Supersequence (SCS - Early Triassic) and the Santa Maria Supersequence (SMS - Middle-Late Triassic). The SCS fauna, including temnospondyls, parareptiles (mainly Procolophon), archosauromorphs, putative synapsids, and a number of indeterminate specimens, is traditionally considered Early Triassic and corresponds to the " Procolophon abundant zone" of the Karoo Basin (the upper levels of the Lystrosaurus AZ), in the upper Katberg Formation, which is Induan to early Olenekian in age. The sedimentary environment of the SCS is thought to be a wide alluvial plain, in which small and shallow channels spread northwards into a vast semiarid environment. By its turn, the Middle-Upper Triassic Santa Maria Supersequence is divided into four third-order sequences, from base to top: Pinheiros-Chiniquá, Santa Cruz, Candelária and Mata. Each of these sequences begins with fluvial deposition (low sinuosity rivers) that is overlain by transgressive shallow lacustrine deposits. The first three of these sequences present a very rich record of fossil tetrapods, including four successive faunal associations: Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone (Ladinian, within the Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence), Santacruzodon AZ (Ladinian/Carnian, in the Santa Cruz Sequence), Hyperodapedon AZ (Carnian) and the Riograndia AZ (early Norian), the latter two respectively at the base and top of the Candelária Sequence. In general, the lower portion of the package (Pinheiros-Chiniquá and Santa Cruz Sequences) was deposited under more basic and dried environmental conditions and are dominated by synapsids, while the top of the section (Candelária Sequence) is characterized by more acid and humid conditions and by a shift in the faunal content, with diapsids as dominating forms and presenting an increase of diversity compared to the lower biozones. • In Brazil, Triassic tetrapods are known only in the extreme south of the country. • The south Brazilian Triassic package includes four biozones based on tetrapods. • The lower tetrapod biozone of the Triassic package is Early Triassic and corresponds to the " Procolophon abundant zone" of the Karoo Basin. • Lower portion of the Middle-Late Triassic was deposited under more basic and dried environmental conditions and is dominated by synapsids. • Upper portion of the Middle-Late Triassic is characterized by more acid and humid conditions and presents an increase of diapsids compared to the lower portion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early evolution of lepidosaurs is marked by an extremely scarce fossil record during the Triassic. Importantly, most Triassic lepidosaur specimens are represented by disarticulated individuals from high energy accretion deposits in Laurasia, thus greatly hampering our understanding of the initial stages of lepidosaur evolution. Here, we describe the fragmentary remains of an associated skull and mandible of Clevosaurus hadroprodon sp. nov., a new taxon of sphenodontian lepidosaur from the Late Triassic (Carnian; 237–228 Mya) of Brazil. Referral to Sphenodontia is supported by the combined presence of a marginal dentition ankylosed to the apex of the dentary, maxilla, and premaxilla; the presence of 'secondary bone' at the bases of the marginal dentition; and a ventrally directed mental process at the symphysis of the dentary. Our phylogenetic analyses recover Clevosaurus hadroprodon as a clevosaurid, either in a polytomy with the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic Clevosaurus and Brachyrhinodon (under Bayesian inference), or nested among different species of Clevosaurus (under maximum parsimony). Clevosaurus hadroprodon represents the oldest known sphenodontian from Gondwana, and its clevosaurid relationships indicates that these sphenodontians achieved a widespread biogeographic distribution much earlier than previously thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]