Mirischia

Graphic representation of Mirischia

• Santana Formation, Brazil

• Mirischia asymmetrica

Mirischia asymmetrica was about 2 meters with a total length of relatively small dinosaur that is assigned to the Compsognathidae. He was discovered in the Romualdo - layer member of the Santana Formation in Brazil and comes accordingly from the Lower Cretaceous ( Albian ).

The fossil sites consisted of a full tank and parts of the hind legs. The special features of the basin are sufficient as a new species compared to other theropods, especially the Santanaraptor found in the same formation to delineate Mirischia asymmetrica.

Comparative phylogenetic studies indicate a close relationship close to the European Compsognathus from the Upper Jurassic and Aristosuchus from the Lower Cretaceous of England.

Features

Mirischia is mainly characterized by its asymmetric ischial ( ischium ). The left side has an oval window, while the right side by a notch at the same position is marked. In addition to this feature, the fossil is unusual in that presumably some soft tissue of the animal has been preserved. So are located between the seat and the pubis ( pubic ) units, which are interpreted as remnants of air bags. This would confirm the theory that non-avian theropods - already had pneumatized bones and air sacs.

Naming

The naming of Mirischia was carried out by "Mir" - the Latin word for "wonderful" - and " sciatic " after the ischium, the genus name so is " Wonderful ischial " or ". Wonderful pool " The species name asymmetrica derives from asymmetric ischial.