Abstract Recently, the morphology and encephalization of the brain endocast of the Triassic non-mammaliaform probainognathian cynodont Riograndia guaibensis were studied. Here, we analyzed the brain endocast of an additional specimen of this species. The new endocast shows well-defined olfactory bulbs and a median sulcus dividing the hemispheres, traits that were not clearly observed in the first studied specimen. Encephalization quotients were also calculated, revealing similar values to other non-mammaliaform cynodonts and lower than those of the first analyzed specimen. The analyzed cranium is slightly larger than the first studied one and may represent an advanced ontogenetic stage. Hence, these differences may be related to the intraspecific variation of this cynodont or alternatively, to the preservation of each specimen.

Abstract The Middle-Upper Triassic section of the Paraná Basin is included in the Santa Maria Supersequence. This stratigraphic unit is classified as a second-order Supersequence, being subdivided into three third-order sequences in which four Assemblage Zones (AZ) based on tetrapods are recognized. In this work, chemical analyses of fossils and hosting rocks of each AZ were performed in order to verify whether the geochemical patterns of the rocks could serve to distinguish them even in the absence of fossils. For this purpose, nine samples of fossils and their sedimentary matrices were analyzed, by ICP-MS. The results show that there were changes in the chemical parameters in force at the depositional time of each sequence (and corresponding AZ). In general, the lower portion of the package was deposited under more basic and dry environmental conditions, indicated by the Ca and Ba concentrations found in the rocks and bones that contains them. By its turn, the top of the section is characterized by more acid and humid conditions, evidenced by Al, Si, and Sr increase. Such a geochemical shift from dry to humid conditions occurred just at the beginning of the Late Triassic and is probably related to the Carnian Pluvial Episode.

ABSTRACT: In this contribution, we present an analysis of the main faciological features of the São Jerônimo da Serra Site, related to the Morro Pelado Member of Rio do Rasto Formation (Middle/Upper Permian), from Paraná State, Brazil, integrated to its taphonomic context. The outcrop, rich in vertebrates and bivalves remains, presents a succession of red siltstones bedded with fine to medium sandstones in which three architectural elements were observed: SF (sheetflood deposits), FF (fine of flood plain) and CS (crevasse). These data, allied to the taphonomic signatures of fossils assigned to eight levels, allowed the identification of three taphofacies. The taphofacies I is characterized by preserved bones in floodplain facies, with different articulation grades and absence of any sign of transport. The taphofacies II is composed by small isolated or fragmented bones and fish scales deposited in terminal splay facies. The taphofacies III is characterized by sandy layers with bivalve shells and fish scales, preserved in crevasse-splay deposits. The obtained data shows that the studied sedimentary succession was generated on a dry trend environment, with sporadic water supply, which conditioned the fossil preservation.