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Polymorphodon
Polymorphodon is an extinct genus of doswelliid archosauriform reptile from the Middle Triassic of Germany. The only known species is Polymorphodon adorfi, discovered in Lower Keuper (Erfurt Formation) deposits at a quarry in Eschenau, Germany. Polymorphodon is notable for its heterodont dentition, with long, conical premaxillary teeth followed by thin maxillary teeth with large serrations. Maxillary teeth near the back of the mouth are short and leaf-shaped, similar to those of some living and extinct reptiles with a herbivorous or omnivorous diet. This may suggest that Polymorphodons diet included some plants, a rarity among basal archosauriforms, most of which are carnivores.
Article summary
Polymorphodon is an extinct genus of doswelliid archosauriform reptile from the Middle Triassic of Germany. The only known species is Polymorphodon adorfi, discovered in Lower Keuper (Erfurt Formation) deposits at a quarry in Eschenau, Germany. Polymorphodon is notable for its heterodont dentition, with long, conical premaxillary teeth followed by thin maxillary teeth with large serrations. Maxillary teeth near the back of the mouth are short and leaf-shaped, similar to those of some living and extinct reptiles with a herbivorous or omnivorous diet. This may suggest that Polymorphodons diet included some plants, a rarity among basal archosauriforms, most of which are carnivores.
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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?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.