Lizards and rhynchocephalians
Diversity of life
Small reptiles and their distinguishing features
Small reptiles are another component of ancient life revealed by screen-washing. Their study requires identifying anatomical features on specimens sometimes less than a centimetre long.
The method in practice
Researchers examine jaws, tooth attachment and, where preserved, small dermal bones. They compare these structures with reference specimens. Lizards and rhynchocephalians are distinct groups; a similar overall appearance does not make them interchangeable.
At Angeac and in regional comparisons
Lizard and rhynchocephalian remains occur among the small vertebrates of Charente fossil sites. Tooth attachment and jaw shape are important identifying features. The nearly complete Homoeosaurus skeleton from Cherves belongs to that site and provides a regional comparison.
What this research reveals
Jaws and isolated bones are identified through anatomical comparison. Some specimens can only be assigned to a broader group. Screen-washing recovers these small remains for recording and study.
Specimens and data
Two groups of small reptiles at the site
Rhynchocephalian and lizard jaws have different tooth arrangements. Osteoderms are small bones embedded in the skin.
Enlarge each plate to examine labels, specimen identifiers and scale bars.
People and expertise
Romain Vullo contributes his expertise to the study of small reptiles. Comparisons of jaws and teeth depend on collecting, sorting and preparing their tiny remains.
Further reading
Overview reference: Dinosaures, les géants du vignoble (2017), p. 166–169.
Publications and results → · The book and its authors →
