In Depth
Holotype fossils of Vivaron were first discovered in 2009, however they were at first thought to represent further remains of the famous Postosuchus. The addition of two prong-like projections to the rear of the maxilla which connect to the jugal have actually revealed that these fossils do not belong to Postosuchus, but a different genus of rausuchian.
The discovery of a new genus in this part of the Chinle Formation has already raised the question of other rausuchian fossils discovered here which have often been associated with Postosuchus simply by association of animal type. A second rausuchian genus active at the same time as Postosuchus also suggests to a more diverse Triassic ecosystem in this part of North America, one capable of supporting two genera of large predators.
Further Reading
- A new rauisuchid (Archosauria, Pseudosuchia) from the Upper Triassic (Norian) of New Mexico increases the diversity and temporal range of the clade. - PeerJ. 4. - Emily J. Lessner, Michelle R. Stocker, Nathan D. Smith, Alan H. Turner, Randall B. Irmis & Sterling J. Nesbitt - 2016.
