Lesson plan
Oncodella
Oncodella is an extinct genus of Late Triassic (latest Norian to early Rhaetian) conodont. The genus was given the type species Oncodella idiodentica by Mosher (1968), on the basis of fossils from the Late Triassic of Austria. However, Mosher (1969) later revised the species name to Oncodella paucidentata, since identical fossils from the same area were previously given the name Hindeodella paucidentata by Mostler (1967). Like many genera which occupied the last phases of conodont evolution, Oncodella was atavistic and relatively simple in form, possibly due to environmental stresses. The origin of the genus is poorly understood. The common type species, Oncodella paucidentata, had a rod-like lower bar hosting a row of three to five denticles (tooth-like spines). The denticles were elongated, thin, and widely-spaced. They tilted backwards, especially towards the back of the platform. An extremely rare second species, Oncodella mostleri, is only known from Hungary. It had three to four smaller denticles between the first and second large denticles, as well as a short rear bar without denticles.
Article summary
Oncodella is an extinct genus of Late Triassic (latest Norian to early Rhaetian) conodont. The genus was given the type species Oncodella idiodentica by Mosher (1968), on the basis of fossils from the Late Triassic of Austria. However, Mosher (1969) later revised the species name to Oncodella paucidentata, since identical fossils from the same area were previously given the name Hindeodella paucidentata by Mostler (1967). Like many genera which occupied the last phases of conodont evolution, Oncodella was atavistic and relatively simple in form, possibly due to environmental stresses. The origin of the genus is poorly understood. The common type species, Oncodella paucidentata, had a rod-like lower bar hosting a row of three to five denticles (tooth-like spines). The denticles were elongated, thin, and widely-spaced. They tilted backwards, especially towards the back of the platform. An extremely rare second species, Oncodella mostleri, is only known from Hungary. It had three to four smaller denticles between the first and second large denticles, as well as a short rear bar without denticles.
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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