Protuberum

• South America (Santa Maria Formation)

• Protuberum cabralensis

Protuberum is a genus of therapsids ( " mammal-like reptiles " ) from the Middle Triassic of South America. It has been only the type species P. cabralensis described scientifically in 2009.

Like all genres of traversodontiden Cynodontia Protuberum was a herbivore and had a specialized grinding movement of food intake. Fossils of two specimens were found in Alemoa Members of the Santa Maria Formation in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The first, in 1977 discovered specimen consists of several ribs and vertebrae. The second, in 1989 found copy includes parts of the skeleton in anatomical association and a skull.

Both specimens were discovered by Daniel Cargnin. The genus name refers to the large number of projections on the ribs and iliac bones, while the specific epithet honors the municipality Novo Cabrais where the type specimen was found.

Evidence

• Synapsids
• Synapsida