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| Tika | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Rhynchocephalia |
| Family: | Sphenodontidae |
| Genus: | †Tika Apesteguía, Garberoglio & Gómez, 2021 |
| Species: | †T. giacchinoi |
| Binomial name | |
| †Tika giacchinoi Apesteguía, Garberoglio & Gómez, 2021 | |
Tika is anextinctgenus ofsphenodontian from theLate CretaceousCandeleros Formation of Argentina. The type species isTika giacchinoi. It is considered to be closely related to thetuatara, (Sphenodon punctatus), and a member of theSphenodontinae. It is the oldest member of Sphenodontinae known from South America.[1]
The type specimen consists of a partial skeleton including an incomplete right-lower jaw, and parts of the skull (an incomplete leftpalatine and a rightquadrate), two articulateddorsal vertebrae, an incomplete ulna, as well as a humerus and a femur. Referred material includes twomaxillas with associated lower jaws. The skull is estimated to have been around 3.9–4.2 centimetres (1.5–1.7 in) long when complete, makingTika moderately-sized among sphenodontians. The caniniform tooth at the front of the lower jaw is sharper than that of the tuatara. The maxilla is similar to that of the tuatara in its overall form. The palate has a row of conical teeth, similar to that of the tuatara.[1]
Tika was recovered as a member ofSphenodontinae, in apolytomy withCynosphenodon,Kawasphenodon, andSphenodon (the tuatara).[1]
Tika is one of two sphenodontians known from the Candeleros Formation, alongside the distantly related herbivorous sphenodontianPriosphenodon. Like other sphenodontines, Tika is thought to have been carnivorous and to have fed on insects and possibly small vertebrates.[1]
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