Poekilopleuron is a genus of tetanuran dinosaur that lived during the middle Bathonian of the Jurassic, about 168 to 166 million years ago. The name Poekilopleuron means “varied ribs,” and it is a megalosaurid dinosaur that belongs to the family Megalosauridae. Poekilopleuron is known for its large size and its carnivorous diet.
The genus has been used under many different spelling variants, although only one, Poekilopleuron, is valid. The type species is P. bucklandii, named after William Buckland, and many junior synonyms of it have also been erected. Poekilopleuron is a complex and long history, with many synonyms and casts of material lost or destroyed. Despite this, Poekilopleuron remains a fascinating dinosaur that has captured the interest of paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.
Discovery and Naming
First Discovery
Poekilopleuron is a genus of theropod dinosaur that was first discovered in France in the early 19th century. The holotype material was found in the department of Lozère and was described by Jacques-Amand Eudes-Deslongchamps in a report published in 1836. The fossils consisted of a partial skeleton, including vertebrae, ribs, and limb bones.
Etymology
The name Poekilopleuron is derived from Greek words meaning “varied ribs.” This name refers to the distinctive shape of the dinosaur’s dorsal vertebrae, which had a unique and varied structure. The genus has been used under many different spelling variants, although only one, Poekilopleuron, is valid.
The species name of the dinosaur, P. bucklandii, was given in honor of William Buckland, a British geologist and paleontologist who made significant contributions to the study of prehistoric life. The genus was originally classified as a species of Megalosaurus, but subsequent research led to its recognition as a distinct genus.
In summary, Poekilopleuron is a genus of theropod dinosaur that was first discovered in France in the early 19th century. The name Poekilopleuron is derived from Greek words meaning “varied ribs.” The genus has been used under many different spelling variants, although only one, Poekilopleuron, is valid. The species name of the dinosaur, P. bucklandii, was given in honor of William Buckland, a British geologist and paleontologist.
Classification
Taxonomic History
Poekilopleuron is a genus of theropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, around 168 to 165 million years ago. The genus was first described by Eudes-Deslongchamps in 1838, and the type species is P. bucklandii. The name Poekilopleuron means “varied ribs”, and it refers to the unusual shape of the ribs of this dinosaur.
Classification of Poekilopleuron has been difficult due to the loss of its original material and the fact that few casts are known. The genus has a history of being renamed under different species and genera, most of which are now considered junior synonyms. However, recent studies suggest that Poekilopleuron is a megalosaurid theropod, closely related to genera such as Afrovenator and Dubreuillosaurus.
Family and Relations
Poekilopleuron belongs to the family Megalosauridae, a group of large theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Jurassic period. Megalosaurids were carnivorous and bipedal, and they had a wide distribution across the world. Other notable members of this family include Megalosaurus, Torvosaurus, and Eustreptospondylus.
Recent phylogenetic analyses suggest that megalosaurids are basal tetanurans, a group of theropods that includes most of the large-bodied carnivorous dinosaurs such as allosaurids and tyrannosaurids. This means that Poekilopleuron is an important taxon for understanding the early evolution of this group of dinosaurs.
Anatomy
Skeletal Structure
Poekilopleuron was a theropod dinosaur with a unique skeletal structure. Its skull was long and narrow, with sharp teeth that were used for hunting. The ribcage of Poekilopleuron was also unique, with varied rib lengths that gave the dinosaur its name. The tail of Poekilopleuron was long and flexible, which allowed it to balance and move quickly.
Size and Dimensions
Poekilopleuron was a large dinosaur, estimated to be around 9 meters long. Its size and weight would have made it a formidable predator in its ecosystem. The fossil record of Poekilopleuron is incomplete, so its exact dimensions are still being studied by paleontologists.
Overall, the anatomy of Poekilopleuron is fascinating and provides insight into the diversity of dinosaurs during the Jurassic period. Its unique skeletal structure and large size make it an important species to study in order to better understand the evolution of theropod dinosaurs.
Paleobiology
Diet
Poekilopleuron was a carnivorous dinosaur that lived during the middle Bathonian of the Jurassic, approximately 168 to 166 million years ago. Its diet consisted of other smaller dinosaurs, reptiles, and possibly some small mammals. The sharp, serrated teeth of Poekilopleuron indicate that it was well-equipped to tear flesh and crush bones. Its jaw was also powerful, allowing it to bite through the toughest of hides.
Habitat
Poekilopleuron lived in what is now France during the Jurassic period. It was a terrestrial animal that roamed the forests and open plains. It is believed to have been a solitary hunter, but it is possible that it may have hunted in packs. Poekilopleuron was a large predator, approximately 9 meters in length, and would have been at the top of the food chain in its environment.
In summary, Poekilopleuron was a fierce carnivore that lived in the forests and open plains of France during the middle Bathonian of the Jurassic period. Its diet consisted of other smaller dinosaurs, reptiles, and possibly some small mammals. It was a solitary hunter and would have been at the top of the food chain in its environment.
Fossil Record
Geographical Distribution
Poekilopleuron is a genus of megalosaurid dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 168 to 162 million years ago. The fossils of Poekilopleuron have been found in France, specifically in the Calcaire de Caen Formation. The only partial skeleton of Poekilopleuron was discovered by Jacques Amand Eudes-Deslongchamps in July 1835 near La Maladrerie in Normandy, France.
Condition of Fossils
The fossil record of Poekilopleuron is limited to a single, partial skeleton and a few casts of bones. The original material of Poekilopleuron is lost, making it difficult to classify. The partial skeleton that was discovered showed a rare complete set of gastralia, which are fourteen pairs of belly ribs that supported the body of the animal. The condition of the fossils is relatively good, considering their age and the fact that they have been buried for millions of years.
Overall, the fossil record of Poekilopleuron is limited, but the partial skeleton that has been found provides valuable information about the anatomy and biology of this dinosaur.
Research and Studies
Historical Research
Poekilopleuron has been known since the early 19th century when it was first described by Eudes-Deslongchamps in 1838. The original material of Poekilopleuron is lost, and few casts are known, making it a difficult taxon to classify. However, historical research has provided valuable insights into the morphology and taxonomy of this dinosaur.
Modern Analysis
Recent research has shed new light on Poekilopleuron’s anatomy and behavior. A partial skeleton of Poekilopleuron has been found in France, which has allowed for a more detailed analysis of its morphology. It is now believed that Poekilopleuron was a large, meat-eating theropod dinosaur that lived during the Middle Jurassic period.
Modern analysis has also revealed that Poekilopleuron had a rare complete set of gastralia, which were fourteen pairs of belly ribs that supported the body of the animal. This finding has provided important information about the dinosaur’s physiology and movement.
In addition, recent studies have linked GDF15, a hormone acting on the brainstem, to the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP), including its most severe form, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). This research has broad implications for understanding the biological mechanisms underlying NVP and HG.
Overall, historical research and modern analysis have contributed to our understanding of Poekilopleuron’s morphology, behavior, and physiology.
Cultural Impact
In Literature and Media
Poekilopleuron has not had a significant impact on popular culture. However, it has appeared in a few books and documentaries. In the book “The Lost World” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the character Professor Challenger mentions Poekilopleuron as one of the dinosaurs that he hopes to encounter on his expedition to a remote plateau. In the documentary series “Walking with Dinosaurs”, Poekilopleuron is featured in the episode “Time of the Titans” where it is shown hunting a group of sauropods.
Despite its limited appearances in popular media, Poekilopleuron remains an important dinosaur in the scientific community. Its discovery and study have contributed significantly to our understanding of the evolution of theropod dinosaurs.