CT scanning, rapid prototyping and re-examination of a partial skull of a basal crocodylomorph from the Late Triassic of Germany

Abstract

An incomplete skull (SMNS 12352) from the Norian (Late Triassic), found at the same locality (Pfaffenhofen, Germany) as Procompsognathus triassicus, has previously been attributed to either a theropod or a crocodylomorph. The specimen is partially embedded in matrix and, therefore, was CT scanned so that the concealed portion could be visualized and a 3D model could be printed by means of rapid prototyping. Mainly based on the separation between the nasal and the antorbital fossa, the skull likely pertains to an indeterminate basal crocodylomorph (non-Crocodyliformes), which is, however, distinct from Saltoposuchus connectens. © 2012 Swiss Geological Society.