Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

T. T. Nath ¹

Affiliations
1 Regional Palaeontological Lab., Geological Survey of India, Bandlaguda, Hyderabad- 500 068, IN

Abstract

The paper records the discovery of gastropods from the vertebrate fauna-bearing beds of Maleri Formation from southwest of Kataram in the Godavari valley. They include genera Physa, Lymnaea and Tricula, which indicate a fresh water environment.

Keywords

Palaeontology, Gastropods, Maleri Formation, Godavari Valley, Andhra Pradesh.

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T. T. Nath ¹, P. Yadagiri ²

Affiliations
1 Geological Survey of India, N.E.R, Shillong - 793 003, IN
2 Geological Survey of India, Southern Region, Hyderabad - 500068, IN

Abstract

The fossil remains of mammal-Like reptiles (cynodonts) are recorded for the first time from the Upper Triassic Maleri Formation of Pranhita-Godavari Valley. The collection includes five well preserved specimens of postcanine teeth. In the shape of the crown, separation of cusps, absence of a constriction between crown and ischolar_main, and incipient division of the ischolar_main, the teeth closely resemble that of Microcondon. It is described as Deccanodon maleriensis gen. et. sp. nov and discussed. Early Jurassic mammals belonging to syrnmetrodont and triconodontid groups were earlier reported from the Kota Formation. The present discovery of cynodont teeth from older stratigraphic horizon (Triassic) assumes importance, as the study will help in understanding the origin and evolution of early mammals.

Keywords

Mammal-Like Reptile, Cynodontia, Upper Triassic, Pranhita-Godavari Valley, Andhra Pradesh.

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T. T. Nath ¹, P. Yadagiri ¹, A. K. Moitra ¹

Affiliations
1 Geological Survey of India, Southern Region, Hyderabad - 500 068, IN

Abstract

For the first time, skeletal remains of an armoured dinosaur (Ornithischia: Ankylosauria) were found in the red clay bed of the Kota Formation, Pranhita-Godavari Valley, Andhra Pradesh. The bed occurs 2 m below the marker limestone unit of the Kota Formation. The collection includes parts of skull, 30 specimens of body armour, vertebrae and parts of girdle bones. The characteristics of armour plates, skull and teeth indicate that these fossils belong to ankylosauria. The ankylosaurs are less known from the Lower Jurassic period. The detailed studies of the present material are likely to throw light on the evolutionary history of these dinosaurs.

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