Redescription of the aetosaur Chilenosuchus forttae Casamiquela (Diapsida: Archosauria): presence of continental Triassic in northern Chile.

Abstract

Chilenosuchus forttae Casamiquela is redescribed on the basis of part of the original material and three new casts of the syntype. The material consists of fragmentary impressions of dermal scutes and postcraneal bones from the Antofagasta Region. This study confirms the aetosaurian nature of these remains, thus indicating a Triassic age for the bearing level which was attributed to the Estratos El Bordo. This age conflicts with the Carboniferous-Permian age inferred for this succession based on fossil plants and invertebrates.