Theropod dinosaur diversity and palaeobiology in the Wealden Group (Early Cretaceous) of England: evidence from a previously undescribed tibia
A robust, partial right tibia of a theropod dinosaur (Natural History Museum London collections, BMNH R9385) is described for the first time. The specimen was collected at Hastings, Sussex (England) in the last century, and is among the oldest known of English Wealden Group theropods. It represents a tetanuran theropod that may have been about 3 m in total length, and is distinct from all currently known Wealden theropods for which tibiae have been described. The present specimen is significant palaeobiologically in exhibiting a series of theropod tooth marks on its caudal surface, indicating predation or scavenging by another theropod.
Dinosaur Systematics: A review of Vectisaurus valdensis , with comments on the family Iguanodontidae
Abstract Vectisaurus valdensis is considered to be the imperfectly preserved remains of juvenile Iguanodon . Based on juvenile material of Iguanodon recovered from Nehden (Federal Republic of Germany), Vectisaurus is most probably referrable to I. atherfieldensis . Ornithopod relationships have been evaluated by reference to the detailed recent systematic reviews of the Ornithischia. Results from this study suggest that the family Iguanodontidae is valid, if more restricted than previously argued; that Tenontosaurus tilletti is more closely related to hypsilophodontians than iguanodontians; and, that Probactrosaurus gobiensis is the sister-taxon of the Hadrosauridae. A revised cladogram of advanced ornithopod dinosaurs is proposed. Introduction In 1879, John Wittaker Hulke described the partial, associated skeleton of a small ornithopod that had been recovered from the Wealden Marls near Brixton (Brighstone) Chine (Isle of Wight, southern England). In the description of this material (Figs. 11.1, 11.2, 11.3), which included five dorsal vertebrae, an anterior caudal centrum, and a partial ilium, Hulke recognised several characters that merited the erection of a new genus and species distinct from the then known ornithopods from the Isle of Wight ( Hypsilophodon foxii and Iguanodon mantelli ). The principal characters by which Hulke distinguished this new taxon were: opisthocoelous dorsal centra with a nearly flat anterior articular surface, a heart-shaped posterior articular surface, a blunt ventral keel on the centra, and the quadrangular appearance of the anterior caudal centrum. Based on the preacetabular process of the ilium, Hulke referred this species to the family Iguanodontidae.
Wood Microbiology: Decay and Its Prevention
Introductory text on the principles of decay and discoloration processes in wood, with emphasis on the major fungal damages which may develop during the growth, storage, and use of wood. The characteristics, detection, effects, and control of microbial attacks are stressed. Provides a synthesis of the current literature on wood microbiology, a rapidly expanding field of study. (Abstractor's note: This is an important resource for conservation researchers studying the decay of wood in art and architecture.) The following is a list of chapter headings: 1) Introduction to wood microbiology; 2) Wood deterioration agents; 3) Characteristics and classification of fungi and bacteria; 4) Factors affecting the growth and survival of fungi in wood (fungal ecology); 5) Fungal metabolism in relation to wood decay; 6) The decay setting: some structural, chemical, and moisture features of wood in relation to decay development; 7) General features, recognition, and anatomical aspects of wood decay; 8) Chemical changes in wood caused by decay fungi; 9) Ultrastructural features of wood decay; 10) Changes caused by decay fungi in the strength and physical properties of wood; 11) Colonization and microbial interactions in wood decay; 12) Decays originating in the stems of living trees; 13) Biodeterioration of stored wood and its control; 14) Wood stains and discolorations; 15) Decay problems associated with some major uses of wood products; 16) Detection of internal decay; 17) Paint mildew and related degradative problems; 18) Natural decay resistance (wood durability); 19) Chemical protection of wood (wood preservation); and 20) Some trends in wood microbiology research and a new emphasis (biotechnology). -- AATA