Epidermal complexity in the theropod dinosaur Juravenator from the Upper Jurassic of Germany

Bell, Phil R; Hendrickx, Christophe

doi:10.1111/pala.12517

Author(s)

Bell, Phil R

Hendrickx, Christophe

Publication Date

2021-03

Abstract

Epidermal scales among modern reptiles are morphologically diverse and serve a variety of functions ranging from moisture balance to chemoreception. Despite being predominantly squamous‐skinned (scaly), the functional implications of this type of integument have never before been explored for a dinosaur. Re‐examination of the holotype of the theropod Juravenator starki (Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic) reveals previously unseen diversity in its epidermal covering. In addition to the presence of short monofilaments on the dorsal and ventral parts of the tail, we identify distinctive scale patterns corresponding to discrete longitudinal bands of scutate, tuberculate and ornamented scales along the length of the tail. In modern squamous‐skinned amniotes, variation in scale architecture can be linked to functional differences between scale types. In Juravenator, distinctive circular nodes associated with the ornamented scales have recently been interpreted as integumentary sense organs. We also suggest that it is likely that the snake‐like scutate scales on the underside of the tail fulfilled a role related to mechanical protection rather than locomotory function. Whereas the literature on theropod epidermal structures has been dominated by discussions on the evolution and diversity of feathers, this study highlights the complexity of squamous integument in Juravenator, which is revealed as one of the most complex among known theropods. An exploration of the epidermal structures found in Juravenator and other non‐avian theropods reveals great complexity in the type and distribution of these structures across the clade, suggesting potential for the future inquiry into their taxonomic and biological importance.

Citation

Palaeontology, 64(2), p. 203-223

ISSN

1475-4983

0031-0239

Link

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/30288

Language

en

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Title

Epidermal complexity in the theropod dinosaur Juravenator from the Upper Jurassic of Germany

Type of document

Journal Article

Entity Type

Publication

Author(s)	Bell, Phil R Hendrickx, Christophe
Publication Date	2021-03
Abstract	Epidermal scales among modern reptiles are morphologically diverse and serve a variety of functions ranging from moisture balance to chemoreception. Despite being predominantly squamous‐skinned (scaly), the functional implications of this type of integument have never before been explored for a dinosaur. Re‐examination of the holotype of the theropod <i>Juravenator starki</i> (Kimmeridgian, Late Jurassic) reveals previously unseen diversity in its epidermal covering. In addition to the presence of short monofilaments on the dorsal and ventral parts of the tail, we identify distinctive scale patterns corresponding to discrete longitudinal bands of scutate, tuberculate and ornamented scales along the length of the tail. In modern squamous‐skinned amniotes, variation in scale architecture can be linked to functional differences between scale types. In <i>Juravenator</i>, distinctive circular nodes associated with the ornamented scales have recently been interpreted as integumentary sense organs. We also suggest that it is likely that the snake‐like scutate scales on the underside of the tail fulfilled a role related to mechanical protection rather than locomotory function. Whereas the literature on theropod epidermal structures has been dominated by discussions on the evolution and diversity of feathers, this study highlights the complexity of squamous integument in <i>Juravenator</i>, which is revealed as one of the most complex among known theropods. An exploration of the epidermal structures found in <i>Juravenator</i> and other non‐avian theropods reveals great complexity in the type and distribution of these structures across the clade, suggesting potential for the future inquiry into their taxonomic and biological importance.
Citation	Palaeontology, 64(2), p. 203-223
ISSN	1475-4983 0031-0239
Link	https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/30288
Language	en
Publisher	Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Title	Epidermal complexity in the theropod dinosaur Juravenator from the Upper Jurassic of Germany
Type of document	Journal Article
Entity Type	Publication

Epidermal complexity in the theropod dinosaur Juravenator from the Upper Jurassic of Germany

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