On the presence of a dermal armour on some titanosaurid dinosaurs

Abstract

On the presence of a dermal armour on some titanosaurid dinosaurs?. On the basis of the evidence provided by the Upper Cretaceous titanosaurid Saltasaurus loricatus, the armoured condition of certain titanosaurids is considered. Dermal plates and small ossicles referred to Saltasaurus loricatus are described and discussed. A review of other cases of dermal plates associated with titanosaurid remains found in Upper Cretaceous localities suggests that Titanosaurus and Laplatasaurus were probably armoured forms. The distribution of Ankylosauria in Gondwana is considered.