| Gamerabaena Temporal range:Late Cretaceous | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Clade: | Pantestudines |
| Clade: | Testudinata |
| Clade: | †Paracryptodira |
| Family: | †Baenidae |
| Genus: | †Gamerabaena Lyson and Joyce,2010 |
| Species | |
| |
Gamerabaena is an extinct genus ofbaenidturtle which existed inNorth Dakota during the lateCretaceous Period. It is known from a single fragmentary skull that was found in theMaastrichtian-ageHell Creek Formation. It contains the speciesGamerabaena sonsalla.[1]Gamerabaena is similar to the genusPalatobaena, but it differs in its lack of a posterior expansion of the triturating (or chewing) surface, a somewhat rectangular skull, and a wide angle between themaxillae.Gamerabaena also has a lingual ridge on the inner side of the jaw that is not seen inPalatobaena.[1]
Gamerabaena is considered thesister taxon ofPalatobaena and shares features with bothPalatobaena andPlesiobaena. These features, which include slightly upturned eye sockets, are seen as intermediate between the two other genera. WhileGamerabaena is known only from the skull, it may belong to the same species as"Baena" hayi, which is known primarily from the shell.[1]
The genus is named afterGamera, a giant flying, fire-breathing turtle from a series of Japanesetokusatsu films.[1]
Cladogram after Tyler R. Lyson and Walter G. Joyce (2009).[2]
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