Paleobiota of the Cañadón Asfalto Formation

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The Chacritas Member hosted volcanic-influenced soda lake (Example from modern California), while nearby environments hosted varied floral belts from coastal Cheirolepidaceous forests to highland Podocarps (Modern Equivalent from New Zealand), a rift area with nearby volcanic influence of the Chon Aike Province

The Cañadón Asfalto Formation is a geological formation which dates to the Toarcian age of the Early Jurassic period of Argentina. The rocks of the formation preserve a diverse biota, including plants, dinosaurs, invertebrates, mammals and pterosaurs, among others. The formation is divided into two members: the lower Las Chacritas Member, and the overlying Puesto Almada member, though the latter has also been assigned to the overlying Cañadón Calcáreo Formation by some authors. The members are typically composed of fluvial-lacustrine deposits consisting of sandstones and shales, with a limestone carbonate evaporitic sequence also being present in the lower of the two.

Demospongiae

Color key
Taxon Reclassified taxon Taxon falsely reported as present Dubious taxon or junior synonym Ichnotaxon Ootaxon Morphotaxon
Notes
Uncertain or tentative taxa are in small text; crossed out taxa are discredited.
Palaeospongillidae reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Palaeospongilla[1]

  • P. chubutensis
  • Estancia Fossati locality
  • Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Specimens

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Palaeospongillidae (Spongillida Sponges). Represents the main lacustrine bottom inhabitant of the Chacritas Paleolake

Example of the living genus Spongilla. The genus Palaeospongilla was likely similar

Crustacea

Crustacea reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Carapacestheria[2][3][4]

  • C. taschi
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cañadón Lahuincó
  • Cerro Bayo
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Eosestheriidae (Spinicaudatan). Originally identified as Cyzicus (Euestheria) taschi. This genus is found in identical alkaline lacustrine settings in the also Toarcian Mawson Formation of Antarctica

Congestheriella[4][5]

  • C. rauhuti
  • Sierra de la Manea
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Cañadón Los Chivos
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Afrograptidae (Spinicaudatan). Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation.

Darwinula[6]

  • D. magna
  • D. spp.
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cañadón Lahuincó
  • Cerro Bayo
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Quebrada Subsidiaria
  • Estancia el Torito
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Darwinulidae (Ostracod).

Eosolimnadiopsis[7]

  • E. spp.
  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Estancia Fossati[8]
  • Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Palaeolimnadiopseidae (Spinicaudatan).

Euestheria[9][3][4]

  • E. volkheimeri
  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Cerro Bayo
  • Alice Creek
  • Quebrada Subsidiaria
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Euestheriidae (Spinicaudatan).

Lioestheria[9][3][4]

  • C. (Lioestheria) sp. B
  • C. (Lioestheria) sp. C
  • Cañadón Las Chacritas
  • Colan Conhué
  • Alice Creek
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Fushunograptidae (Spinicaudatan).

Extant example of the Genus

Mandelstamia[9][6]

  • M.? spp.
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Limnocytheridae (Ostracodan). Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation

Metacypris[9][6]

  • M. sp.
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Loxoconchidae (Ostracodan). Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation.

Penthesilenula[9][6][10]

  • P. magna
  • P. sarytirmenensis
  • Cañadón de la Angostura
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Darwinulidae (Ostracodan). These species are characteristic of the Middle Jurassic of northern China and where used to correlate the age of the beds

Pseudestherites[9]

  • P. sp.
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Cañadón Los Chivos
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Antronestheriidae (Spinicaudatan). Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation.

Theryosinoecum[9][6]

  • T. barrancalensis minor
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Cytheroidea (Ostracodan). Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation.

Timiriasevia[9][6]

  • T. sp.
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Limnocytheridae (Ostracodan). Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation.

Wolfestheria[4]

  • W. patagoniensis
  • W. smekali
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cañadón Lahuincó
  • Estancia La Sin Rumbo
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Valves

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Fushunograptidae (Spinicaudatan).

Mollusca

Mollusca reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Corbicula[11]

  • C. spp.
  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Cerro Bayo
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Corbiculidae (Bivalve).

Extant example of the Genus

Cyanocyclas[11]

  • C. spp.
  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Cerro Bayo
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Corbiculidae (Bivalve).

Diplodon[9][11][12]

  • D. spix
  • D. cf.matildensis
  • D. cf.spix
  • D. spp.
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cerro Caracoles
  • Las Chacritas
  • Cañadón Lahuincó
  • Cañadón Miyanao
  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Cerro Bayo
  • Alice Creek
  • Quebrada Subsidiaria
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Unionidae (Bivalve). The most abundant Bivalve genus on the Formation. Represents also some of the smallest-sized specimens recorded in the Mesozoic, what can be explained by potential environment stress.[12]

Extant example of the Genus

Nayadidae[13]

Indeterminate

  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cañadón Lahuincó
  • Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Unionidae (Bivalve).

Palaeomutela[3]

  • P. spp.
  • Las Chacritas
  • Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Palaeomutelidae (Bivalve).

Potamolithus[3][13]

  • P.? spp.
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cerro Caracoles
  • Las Chacritas
  • Cañadón Lahuincó
  • Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Tateidae (Snail).

Extant example of the Genus

Sphaeriidae[14]

Indeterminate

  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Sphaeriida (Bivalve).

Viviparus[11]

  • V. spp.
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cerro Caracoles
  • Cañadón Lahuincó
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Quebrada Subsidiaria
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Isolated Shells

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Viviparidae (Snail).

Extant example of the Genus

Insecta

Insect eggs of unknown affinity were reported from several layers of the Estancia Fossati locality.[1]

Insects reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Chironomidae[15]

Indeterminate

  • Gan Gan
  • Puesto Almada Member

Head capsules

Indeterminate Bittacidae (Migdes) remains, associated with lacustrine facies. Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation

Extant member of the Family

Coleoptera[16]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Estancia Fossati[8]
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Estancia La Sin Rumbo
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Elytra and body remains

Indeterminate Beetle remains, associated with lacustrine facies

Extant example of the Group

Conchindusia[9][7]

C. isp.

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Gan Gan
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Imprints or compressed moulds of larval cases

Indeterminate Trichoptera (Caddisflies) Ichnofossils, associated with lacustrine facies. Larval cases made of conchostracan shells

Heteroptera[16]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Estancia Fossati
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Estancia La Sin Rumbo
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Fragmentary wings

Indeterminate Heteroptera remains, associated with lacustrine facies

Extant example of the Group

Neorthophlebidae[15]

Indeterminate

  • Gan Gan
  • Puesto Almada member

Wings and parts of body

Indeterminate Bittacidae (Scorpionfly) remains, associated with lacustrine facies. Given the stratigraphic uncertainty, it may come from the Cañadón Calcáreo Formation

Ostracindusia[9][7]

O. isp.

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Gan Gan
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Imprints or compressed moulds of larval cases

Indeterminate Trichoptera (Caddisflies) Ichnofossils, associated with lacustrine facies. Larval cases made of ostracodan shells

Terrindusia[9][17][7]

T. isp.

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Estancia Fossati[8]
  • Gan Gan
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Imprints or compressed moulds of larval cases

Indeterminate Trichoptera (Caddisflies) Ichnofossils, associated with lacustrine facies. Larval cases made of clasts or terrigenous particles

Trichoptera[9][16][17]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Estancia Fossati
  • Estancia El Torito
  • Estancia La Sin Rumbo
  • Las Chacritas Member
  • Puesto Almada Member

Wings and larval cases

Indeterminate Trichoptera (Caddisflies) remains, associated with lacustrine facies

Extant example of the Group

Vertebrates

Fish

Actinopteri reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Archaeomaenidae[18]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Cañadón Miyanao
  • Estancia Fossati
  • Localidad de Canela[19]
  • Cañadón Asfalto
  • Quebrada Subsidiaria
  • Las Chacritas Member

Isolated large median fin & Isolated Scales

A freshwater (Lacustrine) member of Archaeomaenidae (Teleostei). Maybe related to the genus Oreochima, coming from layers coeval, coregional, and of identical deposition of the Mawson Formation of Antarctica

Example of member of the family Archaeomaenidae, Archaeomaene

Amphibians

Amphibians reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Notobatrachus[20][21]

  • N. degiustoi[22]
  • N. reigi
  • Cf.N. spp.[19]
  • Cañadon Bagual
  • Zitarrosa
  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Canela
  • Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

  • Many articulated, mostly complete skeletons
  • Most of a partially articulated skeleton and skull

An early frog of the family Notobatrachidae. Notobatrachus degiustoi can be distinguished from N. reigsi by features of the skull. The presence of this anuran in several locations suggests local proliferation linked with lacustrine bodies

Turtles

Turtles reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Condorchelys[20][23][24]

  • C. antiqua
  • C. cf.antiqua
  • C. spp.
  • Queso Rallado
  • Cañadon Bagual
  • Chucrut
  • Canela facies

Las Chacritas Member

  • Holotype: Most of a skull, carapace, and plastron.
  • MPEF-PV 3163, left humerus
  • MPEF-PV 3164, costal plate

A stem turtle (Mesochelydian) outside both extant groups, closely related with Kayentachelys aprix of North America and Indochelys spatulata of India. Likely occupied aquatic or semiaquatic niches.[23]

Testudinata[24]

Indeterminate

  • Canela facies

Las Chacritas Member

  • plastrons

Indeterminate Turtle remains

Lepidosaurs

Lepidosaurs reported from the Cañadon Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images
Sphenocondor[25]

S. gracilis

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

Dentary

A Sphenodontian Rhynchocephalian, closely related with Godavarisaurus from the almost coeval Jurassic Kota Formation of India, maybe part of an endemic Gondwanan clade.[25]

Crocodylomorpha

Crocodyliformes reported from the Cañadón Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Crocodylomorpha[26][27]

Indeterminate

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

Teeth & several isolated remains

Indeterminate crocodylomorph remains that represent small carnivorous vertebrates linked with lacustrine facies.

Pterosaurs

Pterosaurs reported from the Cañadón Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Allkaruen[28]

A. koi

Canadón Carrizal

Las Chacritas Member

A braincase, as well as a mandible and cervical vertebrae.

A pterosaur either related with Breviquartossa or maybe even a sister group of monofenestratan (Wukongopteridae + Pterodactyloidea) pterosaurs

Ctenochasmatidae?[29] Indeterminate Queso Rallado Not Determined Isolated tooth Resembles the teeth of Pterodaustro. The exact provenance of the specimen is unknown
Melkamter[29] M. pateko Queso Rallado Las Chacritas Member Partial skull and associated postcranial elements A monofenestratan pterosaur, representing the oldest known record of this clade

Scaphognathinae?[30][31]

Indeterminate

Las Chacritas

Las Chacritas Member

Uncatalogued specimens, several mandibles, braincase, shoulder girdle, two humeri, several wing-finger phalanges

Indeterminate remains of a pterosaur, possibly a rhamphorhynchoid with a wingspan of about 1.5–2 metres (4.9–6.6 ft). The mandible morphology is similar to scaphognathines.[31]

Dinosaurs

Theropods

During a campaign conducted in early 2021, remains of a large theropod dinosaur were found near the town of Las Chacritas. In 2020 a new fossil locality was found, named Cañadón de las Huellas, due to the large number of sauropods, and probably theropods, footprints on one of the canyon walls. In the same locality in 2021, articulated remains were recovered and represent at least one sauropod and one large theropod.[32] At least four theropod morphotypes, including one with ceratosaur and another with Piatnitzkysauridae affinities, are known from the Cañadón Bagual.[33]

Theropoda reported from the Cañadón Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Asfaltovenator[34]

A. vialidadi

Cerro Condor

Las Chacritas Member

Nearly compete skull and largely complete front half of the skeleton forward of the hips, distal pubis and fermur and proximal fibula and tibia, partial foot

A probable early member of Allosauroidea

Asfaltovenator

Averostra[35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Puesto el Quemado
  • Cerro Bayo

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated teeth: MPEF BA 182/08, BA 40/08, BA 09/80, BA 88/08, BA 252G+165/08 A, BA 252G+165/08 B, BA 252G+165/08 C

Theropod dinosaur teeth that resemble those assigned to the families Ceratosauridae, Megalosauridae and Abelisauridae

Ceratosauridae[36]

Indeterminate

Cañadon Bagual

Las Chacritas Member

A dentary with teeth in situ, MPEF-PV 6775

It resembles the dentary of Ceratosaurus

Condorraptor[30][37]

C. currumili

Las Chacritas

Las Chacritas Member

Partial articulated skeleton

A relative of Piatnitzkysaurus from the same formation, and a possible junior synonym of it as well.

Condorraptor

Dromaeosauridae[35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Puesto el Quemado
  • Cerro Bayo

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth: MEPF BA 61/08, BA 103/08, BA 32/08 A, BA 32/08 B, BA 104/08, BA 226B/08, PV 3498, BA 29/08, BA51/08, BA 270/08 a, BA 270/08 b, BA 270/08 c

Theropod dinosaur teeth that resemble those assigned to the family Dromaeosauridae. Alternatively, they could belong to basal members of Coelurosauria

Eoabelisaurus[38]

E. mefi

Jugo Luco

Las Chacritas Member

A nearly complete articulated skeleton

A Neoceratosaur, which was suggested to be a basal member of Abelisauria, but also a member of Ceratosauridae

Eoabelisaurus

Megalosauridae[35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Puesto el Quemado
  • Cerro Bayo

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth: MPEF PV 1175, BA 66/08, PV 1356, PV 1357

Theropod dinosaur teeth that resemble those assigned to the family Megalosauridae.

Neotheropoda[35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Puesto el Quemado
  • Cerro Bayo

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth: MPEF BA 68/08, BA 92/08, PV 3499, BA 68/08, BA 183/08

Theropod dinosaur teeth that resemble those assigned to basal neotheropods, such as members of Coelophysoidea.

Piatnitzkysauridae[39][35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Puesto el Quemado
  • Cerro Bayo

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth & Cranial remains: MPEF 1717 CC 205, PV 3440A A, PV 3440A B, PV 3440A C, PV 3440A D, PV 3440A E, PV 3440A F, PV 3440A G

Theropod dinosaur teeth that resemble those assigned to members of Piatnitzkysauridae.

Piatnitzkysaurus[37][40]

P. floresi

Cerro Cóndor South

Las Chacritas Member

Two "fragmentary skulls with associated postcranium."[41]

Possible senior synonym of Condorraptor from the same formation.

Piatnitzkysaurus

Spinosauridae[35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth : MEPF PV 1350

Theropod dinosaur teeth resembling those assigned to members of Spinosauridae. Alternatively, they could belong to members of Ceratosauria

Tetanurae[35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor
  • Puesto el Quemado
  • Cerro Bayo

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth : MEPF BA 84/08, BA 49/08 A, BA 49/08 B, BA 64/08, BA 65/08, BA 266/07

Theropod dinosaur teeth that resemble with those assigned to members of Megalosauridae and Dromaeosauridae

Theropoda[35]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth : MPEF PV 1640

"Outlier" tooth that doesn't fit in any previously known morphotype, maybe due to preservation

Theropodipedia[42]

Indeterminate

  • Cerro Cóndor

Las Chacritas Member

Footprints

Possible theropod footprints, unassigned to any concrete ichnogenus

Sauropodomorphs

A sediment tubular shaped mass enriched in organic matter, closely associated within the ventral area of articulated remains of a sauropod, was recovered at Cerro Condor, composed of a high concentration of pollen grains & cuticular fragments, mainly leaves of two morphotypes (Araucariaceae and Cheirolepidiaceae), probably representing the gut contents of the sauropod, inferring a conifer-based diet.[43]

Sauropodiformes reported from the Cañadón Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Bagualia[44]

B. alba

Cañadon Bagual

Las Chacritas Member

The partial skeletons of three individuals

An early member of Eusauropoda, related with the African genus Spinophorosaurus

Diplodocidae[45][46]

Indeterminate

Cerro Condor Sur

Las Chacritas Member

MACN-CH 934: axial neural arches and spines, an ilium, a pubis, ?two or ?three ischia, and two maxillae

This specimen shows strong Diplodocidae affinities, yet it has been considered either a derived non-neosauropodan eusauropod (having resemblance with Lapparentosaurus in some characters) or even a basal neosauropod (also resembling Haplocanthosaurus)

Eusauropoda[46]

Indeterminate

Cerro Condor Sur

Las Chacritas Member

MACN-CH 230: three dorsal vertebrae

Likely a eusauropod, possibly a cetiosaurid. Smaller than other sauropod taxa found in the formation.

Eusauropoda?[47] Indeterminate Cerro Condor Este Las Chacritas Member MPEF-PV 12010: A left premaxilla It has the thickest enamel of the sampled sauropod specimens

Patagosaurus[48]

P. fariasi

Cerro Condor

Las Chacritas Member

Many specimens, including a partial skull.

A non-neosauropodan eusauropodan member of Cetiosauridae. This genus represents the most abundant sauropod in the formation

Sauropodiformes[49]

Indeterminate

Queso Rallado, near Cerro Cóndor

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth: MPEF-PV 10860

An indeterminate Sauropodiform or a very basal sauropod or even dental material of Volkheimeria.[50]

Sauropoda[46]

Indeterminate

Cerro Condor Sur

Las Chacritas Member

MACN-CH 219, 223(+221), 231

Too fragmentary to be ascribed to any taxon, currently classified as Sauropoda indet.

Titanosauriformes[51]

Indeterminate

Queso Rallado, near Cerro Cóndor

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth: MPEF-PV 10606

An indeterminate Titanosauriform. It can be alternatively a basal Eusauropod. Possible relationships with Atlasaurus

Volkheimeria[46]

V. chubutensis

Cerro Cóndor South

Las Chacritas Member

"Partial skeleton consisting of presacral and sacral vertebrae, pelvis, [and] hindlimb."

Either a gravisaur or a sister taxon of the Indian genus Barapasaurus

Ornithischians

Ornithischians reported from the Cañadón Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Cerapoda[52]

Indeterminate

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated ungual phalanx and Isolated Teeth: MPEF-PV 3818, MPEF-PV 3824, MEPF-PV 3820, MEPF-PV 3825, MEPF-PV 10861, MPEF-PV 10823, MPEF-PV 3821 & MPEF-PV 10864

An indeterminate Cerapodan with resemblances with Hypsilophodon. Some of the referred remains have been reclassified as Manidens material

Heterodontosauridae[52]

Indeterminate

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

Metapodials, caudal vertebrae, and isolated phalanges: MPEF-PV 3826

heterodontosaurid that cannot be compared with Manidens due to the lack of overlapping fossils.

Manidens[53][52]

M. condorensis

  • Queso Rallado
  • Sitio Frenguelli
  • Sitio Canela

Las Chacritas Member

Partial articulated specimen, skull & associated elements as well referred isolated teeth: MPEF-PV 3809, MPEF-PV 3211, MPEF-PV 3808, MPEF-PV 10867, MPEF-PV 1719, MPEF-PV 1786, MPEF-PV 1718, MPEF-PV 3810, MPEF-PV 3811, MPEF-PV 3812, MPEF-PV 3813, MPEF-PV 3814, MPEF-PV 3815, MPEF-PV 3816, MPEF-PV 10866

A primitive and small heterodontosaurid. Fossils attributed to this genus may have been at least partially arboreal. Principal component analysis found that the feet of Manidens were most similar to those of tree-perching birds.[54]

Ornithischia[52]

Indeterminate

  • Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated teeth: MPEF-PV 3817, MPEFPV 3819, MPEF-PV 3822.

Not referable to any taxa beyond Ornithischia Indet.

Mammals

Mammals reported from the Cañadón Asfalto Formation
Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Material Notes Images

Allotheria[55]

Indeterminate

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

Isolated Teeth

An Allotherian whose affinities hasn't been tested

Argentoconodon[56]

A. fariasorum

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

MPEF-PV2362, fragmentary left maxilla, MPEF-PV2363 partial skeleton, MPEFPV2364 isolated complete right upper last molariform

A volaticotherian (Alticonodontinae), closely related to the Asian genus Volaticotherium, having similar postcraneal appearance, indicating possible gliding capabilities, yet better material is needed to prove it.[56]

Asfaltomylos[20][57]

A. patagonicus

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

MPEF PV 1671, complete lower maxilla

An Australosphenidan, related to Henosferus in Henosferidae.

Condorodon[55]

C. spanios

Queso Rallado

Las Chacritas Member

MPEF-PV 2365, isolated complete lower left molariform

An "amphilestid" triconodont, related with the late jurassic African Tendagurodon.[55]

Henosferus[20][58]

  • H. molus
  • H. sp.
  • Queso Rallado
  • Canela[19]

Las Chacritas Member

MPEF 2353 right lower jaw, MPEF 2354 Left lower jaw, MPEF 2357 Left lower jaw, referred MPEF 2355 isolated upper premolar

An Australosphenidan, related to Asfaltomylos in Henosferidae, being twice as large as this last one.[58]

Fungi

Genus Species Location Stratigraphic position Member Material Ecogroup Palaeoclimate requirements Notes

Annella[59]

  • A. capitata

Central Patagonia

  • Cañadon Lahuincó
  • Las Chacritas Member

Hypae and Miospores

Unknown: either Aquatic (Freshwater) or Parasitic

Unknown, suggested highly seasonality

A Fungus of uncertain relationships. This species is recovered in both coal seams and proximal prodelta sediments, making the assignation of a biome complex.[59]

Plants

See also

References

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