**2013 in Archosaur Paleontology**
**Definition**
The year 2013 in archosaur paleontology encompasses the scientific discoveries, research developments, and significant fossil findings related to archosaurs—a group of diapsid reptiles that includes all extinct dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and modern birds and crocodilians—documented during that calendar year.
—
## 2013 in Archosaur Paleontology
The year 2013 was marked by numerous important discoveries and research advancements in the field of archosaur paleontology. This period saw the description of new dinosaur and pterosaur taxa, significant reinterpretations of known species, and progress in understanding the evolutionary relationships, biology, and ecology of archosaurs. Research published in 2013 contributed to refining the phylogeny of various archosaur groups, shedding light on their diversity, paleobiology, and the environments they inhabited.
—
### Overview of Archosaurs
Archosaurs („ruling reptiles”) are a major group of diapsid reptiles that first appeared in the late Permian to early Triassic periods. This clade includes two primary lineages: the Pseudosuchia (crocodilians and their extinct relatives) and the Avemetatarsalia (pterosaurs, dinosaurs, and birds). Archosaurs dominated terrestrial ecosystems during the Mesozoic Era, with dinosaurs becoming the most diverse and ecologically significant group. The study of archosaur paleontology involves the examination of fossil remains, including bones, footprints, and occasionally soft tissues, to reconstruct their evolutionary history and paleobiology.
—
### New Taxa Described in 2013
#### Dinosaurs
2013 witnessed the description of several new dinosaur species across various clades, expanding knowledge of dinosaur diversity and distribution.
– **Theropods:** New theropod taxa were described from multiple continents, including both basal and derived members of the group. These discoveries helped clarify the early evolution of coelurosaurs and shed light on the diversity of carnivorous dinosaurs during the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
– **Sauropodomorphs:** New sauropodomorph species, including basal forms and more derived titanosaurs, were named, providing insights into the evolution of gigantism and sauropod biogeography.
– **Ornithischians:** Ornithischian discoveries included new species of stegosaurs and hadrosaurids, contributing to understanding of herbivorous dinosaur evolution and paleoecology.
#### Pterosaurs
Pterosaur research in 2013 included the description of new species and important reinterpretations of known taxa. These findings enhanced understanding of pterosaur diversity, flight adaptations, and their role in Mesozoic ecosystems.
#### Crocodylomorphs and Other Archosaurs
While dinosaur and pterosaur discoveries dominated, 2013 also saw new crocodylomorph taxa described, including both extinct relatives of modern crocodilians and early archosauriforms. These findings helped clarify the early diversification of pseudosuchians and their ecological roles.
—
### Significant Research and Discoveries
#### Phylogenetic Analyses and Evolutionary Relationships
Several studies published in 2013 focused on refining the phylogenetic relationships within Archosauria. Using new fossil data and advanced computational methods, researchers proposed revised evolutionary trees that affected the classification of key groups such as theropods, sauropodomorphs, and pterosaurs. These analyses often incorporated new taxa described that year, leading to a more resolved understanding of archosaur evolution.
#### Dinosaur Paleobiology and Behavior
Research into dinosaur biology advanced with studies on growth patterns, locomotion, and feeding strategies. Histological analyses of bone tissues provided data on growth rates and life history traits. Additionally, biomechanical modeling and trace fossil evidence contributed to interpretations of dinosaur behavior, including sociality and predator-prey interactions.
#### Pterosaur Flight and Ecology
Studies on pterosaur wing morphology and flight mechanics were prominent in 2013. Researchers examined the aerodynamic properties of pterosaur wings, the evolution of flight-related adaptations, and the ecological niches occupied by different pterosaur groups. These investigations helped clarify how pterosaurs diversified and thrived in various Mesozoic environments.
#### Archosaur Paleoenvironments and Biogeography
Paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on sedimentology and associated fossil assemblages provided context for archosaur evolution. Studies explored how climatic and geographic factors influenced archosaur distribution and diversity patterns during the Mesozoic. Notably, research on faunal exchanges between continents illuminated the biogeographic history of dinosaurs and other archosaurs.
—
### Notable Fossil Finds
Several remarkable fossil discoveries in 2013 garnered attention for their exceptional preservation or scientific importance.
– **Feathered Dinosaurs:** New specimens of feathered theropods were reported, offering further evidence of the evolutionary link between non-avian dinosaurs and birds. These fossils provided details on feather structure and function.
– **Soft Tissue Preservation:** Rare instances of soft tissue preservation in archosaur fossils were documented, allowing for unprecedented insights into muscle anatomy, skin texture, and coloration.
– **Trackways and Trace Fossils:** New dinosaur tracksites were described, revealing information about locomotion, behavior, and paleoecology. These trace fossils complemented skeletal data and helped reconstruct Mesozoic ecosystems.
—
### Advances in Methodology
The year 2013 saw the continued integration of new technologies in archosaur paleontology.
– **Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning:** CT scanning was increasingly used to non-destructively examine fossil internal structures, such as braincases and bone microstructure, enhancing anatomical and functional interpretations.
– **Geochemical Analyses:** Isotopic and elemental analyses provided data on diet, physiology, and paleoenvironmental conditions.
– **Cladistic and Statistical Methods:** Improved computational tools allowed for more robust phylogenetic analyses and quantitative assessments of morphological variation.
—
### Summary of Key Publications
Several influential papers published in 2013 shaped the field of archosaur paleontology. These works included comprehensive reviews, descriptions of new taxa, and methodological advancements. Collectively, they contributed to a more nuanced understanding of archosaur diversity, evolution, and ecology.
—
### Impact and Future Directions
The discoveries and research of 2013 laid groundwork for ongoing studies in archosaur paleontology. The integration of new fossil data with advanced analytical techniques continues to refine the evolutionary narrative of archosaurs. Future research is expected to focus on uncovering additional fossil specimens, exploring developmental biology, and further elucidating the complex interactions between archosaurs and their environments.
—
## See Also
– Timeline of dinosaur research
– Evolution of birds
– Pterosaur paleobiology
– Crocodylomorph evolution
—
## References
*Note: This article summarizes research and discoveries from 2013 in archosaur paleontology based on peer-reviewed scientific literature published during that year.*
—
**Meta Description:**
An overview of the significant discoveries, new taxa, and research developments in archosaur paleontology during 2013, highlighting advances in dinosaur, pterosaur, and crocodylomorph studies.