Palaegama vielhauri (Carroll 1975) Late Permian, ~30 cm in length was correctly considered a relative to Paliguana and Saurosternon. Here, however, several other taxa also nest with Palaegama. These include Marmoretta on one branch and the Permo-Triassic gliders, Coelurosauravus, Lanthanolania, Icarosaurus and Kuehneosaurus on the other. Derived from a sister to Paliguana, Palaegama phylogenetically preceded Saurosternon.
Distinct from Paliguana, the skull of Palaegama had a slightly narrower rostrum. The quadrate was not as robust. The postfrontal did not contact the upper temporal fenestra or the prefrontal. The mandible was more gracile.
Distinct form Owenetta, the cervicals of Palaegama were larrger and the cervical ribs were elongated. The mid caudals were larger than the proximal caudals. The caudal transverse processes were straight, not bent posteriorly.
The forelimb was much larger and more robust. The carpus was better ossified. The hand was longer with sharper, more highly curved claws.
The pelvis did not have anterior and posterior processes. The ischium was smaller. The hind limb was longer and more robust. The metatarsals were relatively longer.
With its longer limbs and toes, Palaegama was likely more at home in the trees than Owenetta. Even so, look at the wide straight ribs of Owenetta producing a much wider than tall torso. Makes me think Owenetta was not afraid of heights or falling from heights. Palaegama had relatively shorter ribs. I'd like to see an image of Palaeagama to see if any elongated lateral dermal ossicles were present anchored to the ribs.
|
