November 13 , 2016:

Highlights

First postcranial description of Campinasuchus dinizi, baurusuchid crocodyliform from the Brazil.
Baurusuchids are some of the most common Cretaceous crocodyliforms from Brazil.
The present study sheds light on the ontogeny of the Baurusuchidae.
The postcranial skeleton of Campinasuchus is the most gracile baurusuchid until the moment.
First osteoderms described for subfamily Pissarrachampsinae.

Abstract

The Baurusuchidae is one the most representative family of Crocodyliformes from the Upper Cretaceous of Brazil. Amongst the ten recognized species of the family in the world, eight are recovered from Bauru Basin outcrops. Despite its relative diversity and abundance, information on postcranial elements of species of the family is scarce in the literature. Campinasuchus dinizi is a baurusuchid found in the neocretaceous redstones of the Adamantina Formation of Bauru Basin (SE Brazil). The postcranial skeleton of the species is described based on five specimens, with the following bone elements identified: proatlas, intercentrum of the atlas; pedicles of the atlas; odontoid process; axis; three postaxial cervical vertebrae; nine dorsal vertebrae; eight caudal vertebrae; seven ribs and gastralia fragments; eleven chevrons; twelve osteoderms; pectoral and pelvic girdle; humerus; radius; ulna; manus; femur; tibia; fibula; and pes. Campinasuchus dinizi has a smallest and more delicate postcranial skeleton in relation to the examined Baurusuchidae, with an inferred body mass of approximately 28 kg. However, some elements of the postcranial skeleton of C. dinizi are comparatively more robust (e.g. neural spines higher and more developed; vertebral body thicker; pelvic girdle more proeminent; limbs more elongated) than in M. amarali, N. terrestris and extant crocodyliforms such as Caiman latirostris and Melanosuchus niger. The mostly straight limbs of C. dinizi indicate a terrestrial habit, and suggests a semi-upright to upright posture during locomotion. The first descriptions of postcranial bones of a young specimen of C. dinizi and osteoderms of Pissarrachampsinae as well as comments about the distinct anatomy of some of those elements also are presented.