Hypuronector

Taxobox
name = "Hypuronector"
fossil_range = Late Triassic


image_width =
image_caption =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo =
familia = Drepanosauridae
genus = "Hypuronector"
genus_authority = Colbert & Olsen, 2001
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision ="H. limnaios" Colbert & Olsen, 2001 (type

"Hypuronector" is a genus of extinct reptile from the Triassic Period that lived in what is now New Jersey. The etymology of the name translates as "deep-tailed swimmer from the lake." A member of the Simiosauria, "Hypuronector" is related to the arboreal "Megalancosaurus". It was a small animal, estimated to be only 12 cm long in life. So far dozens of specimens of "Hypuronector" are known, but despite this, scientists have not found any complete skeletons. This makes attempts to reconstruct Hypuronector's body or life-style highly speculative and controversial.

Lifestyle Controversy

Despite their evolutionary relationship, it has been suggested that "Hypuronector" had a different ecological niche than other Simiosaurs. It has long been accepted that "Megalancosaurus" was an arboreal chameleon-like animal. However, "Hypuronector" has been suggested to be aquatic due to its deep, paddle-like tail and the fact that its remains were found in an ancient lake bottom.

Experts holding the contrary position, that "Hypuronector" was also arboreal note that other Simiosaurs that are believed to be arboreal even though all have been found preserved. The only current remains of "Hypuronector" are too scanty to reach a certain conclusion about the lifestyle practiced by members of the genus. The discovery of the animals hands and feet might demonstrate adaptations present in its relatives for an arboreal lifestyle, which would help settle the debate. Unfortunately, paleontologists have no remains from "Hypuronector"'s head, neck, feet or hands and thus must await future discoveries.

External links

* [http://www.hmnh.org/galleries/monkeylizards/index.html Hairy Museum of Natural History]