Zuul Crurivastator Ankylosaur Skeleton Data with Soft Tissue Preservation

Supplying information on the exceptionally complete skeleton of Zuul crurivastator, a new genus and species of ankylosaurine dinosaur. It is the most complete ankylosaurid skeleton found in North America, featuring the first known complete skull and tail club, with abundant soft tissue preservation. The skeleton was recovered from the Coal Ridge Member of the Judith River Formation in Montana, deposited during the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous.

Use Cases

• Conduct phylogenetic analysis to place Zuul crurivastator within the Ankylosaurini clade relative to Dyoplosaurus and Scolosaurus.
• Study the evolution of dermal and epidermal structures using data on in situ osteoderms, skin impressions, and preserved keratin films.
• Analyze the stratigraphic and geographical record of North American ankylosaurines to address gaps highlighted by the Zuul crurivastator specimen.
• Compare skeletal completeness metrics across Ankylosauridae specimens using the description of this skeleton as a reference.

Strengths

• Based on an exceptionally complete and well-preserved skeleton, described as the most complete ankylosaurid ever found in North America.
• Includes the first ankylosaurin skeleton known with a complete skull and tail club.
• Features abundant soft tissue preservation, including osteoderms, skin impressions, and probable keratin films.

Limitations

• The dataset scope is limited to a single specimen (ROM 75860), providing a sample size of one.
• Specific data formats, column structures, and file sizes are not detailed in the available input.
• The raw description is focused on anatomical and phylogenetic description, which may limit direct quantitative analysis.

Provenance

Source

Dryad digital repository.

Collection Method

Paleontological excavation and analysis of a single, exceptionally preserved skeleton.

Time Range

Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous (deposited over an approximately 4 million year interval).

Freshness

2020-06-24

Geography

Judith River Formation, specifically the Coal Ridge Member, in northern Montana, USA.