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Description

This illustration depicts the likely scenario that lead to a real fossil.

Species: Therapsid cynodont Thrinaxodon liorhinus and rhinesuchid temnospondyl Broomistega putterilli.

Fossil: Burrow cast containing the fully articulated skeletons of both species.

Age: Lower Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone, Early Triassic.

Location: Oliviershoek Pass, KwaZulu province, South Africa

Stats: Thrinaxodon 35 cm
Broomistega ~35 cm (specimen is missing tail at 18 cm long)
Extra info: Numerous specimens of Thrinaxodon have been recovered from fossilised burrows and the individual was probably the original inhabitant. While Broomistega shows signs of injury (broken/damaged limbs, perforations to skull), the wounds are not consistant with Thrinaxodon's teeth. It is thought that Broomistega sought refuge after being wounded (it was a primarily aquatic species and not a burrower). Thrinaxodon probably tolerated the intruder while it was during torpor. Sediment analysis of burrow suggests an episode of rapid filling.

Reference: journals.plos.org/plosone/arti…

Description

This illustration depicts the likely scenario that lead to a real fossil.

Species: Therapsid cynodont Thrinaxodon liorhinus and rhinesuchid temnospondyl Broomistega putterilli.

Fossil: Burrow cast containing the fully articulated skeletons of both species.

Age: Lower Lystrosaurus Assemblage Zone, Early Triassic.

Location: Oliviershoek Pass, KwaZulu province, South Africa

Stats: Thrinaxodon 35 cm
Broomistega ~35 cm (specimen is missing tail at 18 cm long)
Extra info: Numerous specimens of Thrinaxodon have been recovered from fossilised burrows and the individual was probably the original inhabitant. While Broomistega shows signs of injury (broken/damaged limbs, perforations to skull), the wounds are not consistant with Thrinaxodon's teeth. It is thought that Broomistega sought refuge after being wounded (it was a primarily aquatic species and not a burrower). Thrinaxodon probably tolerated the intruder while it was during torpor. Sediment analysis of burrow suggests an episode of rapid filling.

Reference: journals.plos.org/plosone/arti…