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Inproceedings Reference Revision of the longirostrine crocodilian Thoracosaurus isorhynchus from the Maastrichtian–Danian of northwestern Europe
“Thoracosaurs” are a group of longirostrine eusuchians known from Upper Cretaceous–lower Paleogene coastal deposits of Europe and North America. Their phylogenetic position is highly debated and varies from one study to the next, ranging from inclusion within Gavialoidea—implying ghost lineages of up to 100 million years—to exclusion from Crocodylia altogether. Despite these issues, many “thoracosaur” taxa have been understudied, suffering from incomplete or outdated descriptions and questionable taxonomic assignment. We present a comprehensive revision of Thoracosaurus isorhynchus, the most common European “thoracosaur.” Here, we redescribe the lectotype and paralectotypes of the species from the Maastrichtian of Mont-Aimé, France, and a skull from the Maastricht type area, The Netherlands. We also add new, previously undescribed cranial and extensive postcranial material from Mont-Aimé. Moreover, comparison with the type material of Thoracosaurus “scanicus” of the Danian of southern Sweden indicates that the latter is a junior synonym of T. isorhynchus, confirming the persistence of this species across the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary. An array of phylogenetic analyses points to a close relationship between T. isorhynchus and the Cenomanian Portugalosuchus azenhae. This implicates an early emergence of “thoracosaurs” within Gavialoidea, highlighting the stratigraphic inconsistency of this group and a need for up to date descriptions of species belonging to this group.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025 OA
Article Reference Bioerosional marks in the shells of two sea turtle taxa from the middle Eocene of Belgium
This study analyses the diverse types of bioerosion marks on the shells of two sea turtle specimens from the Lutetian (middle Eocene) of Belgium. The objective is to understand the physical stressors affecting these organisms in ancient marine environments and to identify the potential factors responsible for these changes. The first specimen, the holotype of Eochelone brabantica, presents multiple erosive anomalies on its costal plates. The second individual, corresponding to Puppigerus camperi, exhibits different types of shell deviations, also of an erosive character. The combination of macroscopic and imaging techniques (i.e., CT scanning and 3D surface scanning) allow us the precise observation and identification of the different alterations. Comparative analyses suggest several external factors as potential causes of the anomalies of the two specimens (i.e., invertebrate feeding traces and trauma). This detailed examination provides specific insights into the types and causes of shell alterations in these Eocene turtles, offering a clearer understanding of their interactions in the marine ecosystem in which they lived.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025 OA
Article Reference Morphological study of the anterior dentition in Raoellidae (Mammalia, Artiodactyla), new insight on their dietary habits
Raoellidae are small artiodactyls from the Indian subcontinent closely related to stem cetaceans. They bring crucial information to understand the early phase of the land-to- water transition in Cetacea. If they are considered to be partly aquatic, the question of their dietary habits remains partly understood due to their “transitional” morphology. Raoellidae are largely documented by their cheek teeth and getting a better knowledge of their anterior dentition constitutes an additional proxy to discuss their feeding habits. In this work, we document the anterior dentition of Indohyus indirae from an unprecedented sample of in situ and isolated teeth from the locality of East Aiji-2 in the Kalakot area (Rajouri district, India). We propose identification criteria for upper and lower incisors and canines in raoellids. Based on CT scan data, virtual reconstruction of in situ dentition, and identification of the isolated incisors and canines, we reconstruct a composite anterior dentition of Indohyus supported by the correspondence of wear facets between upper and lower teeth. This constitutes the first attempt at reconstruction of the anterior dentition of a raoellid. We show that the upper incisors are caniniform and very similar morphologically, whereas the lower incisors are pointed but remain incisiform and quite different from one another. We also describe noticeable intraspecific variation, at the level of upper canines, suggesting a potential sexual dimorphism in this species. Upper and lower incisors are recurved, with the upper incisor row arranged on a widely opened arch. Taken altogether the anterior dentition forms a grasping device, allowing the animal to capture and secure food, a characteristic shared with stem cetaceans. This would mark the first step towards the carnivorous diet in these peculiar artiodactyls.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025 OA
Article Reference Early Delphinida (Cetacea, Odontoceti) from the Miocene of the southern North Sea Basin
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2026
Article Reference Understanding extreme-wave hazards on high-energy coasts requires a standardised approach to field data collection: Analysis and recommendations.
Coastal boulder deposits provide vital information on extreme wave events. They are crucial for understanding storm and tsunami impacts on rocky coasts, and for understanding long-term hazard histories. But study of these deposits is still a young field, and growth in investigation has been rapid, without much contact between research groups. Therefore, inconsistencies in field data collection among different studies hinder cross-site comparisons and limit the applicability of findings across disciplines. This paper analyses field methodologies for coastal boulder deposit measurement based using an integrated database (ISROC-DB), and demonstrates inconsistencies in current approaches. We use the analysis as a basis for outlining protocols to improve data comparability and utility for geoscientists, engineers, and coastal planners. Using standardised and comprehensive data reporting with due attention to precision and reproducibility – including site characteristics, boulder dimensions, complete positional data, tide characteristics, and geodetic and local topographic datum information – will help ensure complete data retrieval in the field. Applying these approaches will further ensure that data collected at different times and/or locations, and by different groups, is useful not just for the study being undertaken, but for other researchers to analyse and reuse. We hope to foster development of the large, internally consistent datasets that are the basis for fruitful meta-analysis. This is particularly important given increasing focus on long-term monitoring of coastal change. By recommending a common set of measurements, adaptable to available equipment and personnel, this work aims to support accurate and thorough coastal boulder deposit documentation, enabling broader applicability and future-proofed datasets. Field protocols described and recommended here also apply as best practices for coastal geomorphology field work in general.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Paleoparasitological analysis of a 15th–16th c. CE latrine from the merchant quarter of Bruges, Belgium: Evidence for local and exotic parasite infections
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Sedimentary ancient DNA as part of a multimethod paleoparasitology approach reveals temporal trends in human parasitic burden in the Roman period
The detection of parasite infections in past populations has classically relied on microscopic analysis of sediment samples and coprolites. In recent years, additional methods have been integrated into paleoparasitology such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and ancient DNA (aDNA). The aim of this study was to evaluate a multimethod approach for paleoparasitology using microscopy, ELISA, and sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) with a parasite-specific targeted capture approach and high-throughput sequencing. Using 26 samples dating from c. 6400 BCE to 1500 CE that were previously analyzed with microscopy and ELISA, we aimed to more accurately detect and reconstruct parasite diversity in the Roman Empire and compare this diversity to earlier and later time periods to explore temporal changes in parasite diversity. Microscopy was found to be the most effective technique for identifying the eggs of helminths, with 8 taxa identified. ELISA was the most sensitive for detecting protozoa that cause diarrhea (notably Giardia duodenalis). Parasite DNA was recovered from 9 samples, with no parasite DNA recovered from any pre-Roman sites. Sedimentary DNA analysis identified whipworm at a site where only roundworm was visible on microscopy, and also revealed that the whipworm eggs at another site came from two different species (Trichuris trichiura and Trichuris muris). Our results show that a multimethod approach provides the most comprehensive reconstruction of parasite diversity in past populations. In the pre-Roman period, taxonomic diversity included a mixed spectrum of zoonotic parasites, together with whipworm, which is spread by ineffective sanitation. We see a marked change during the Roman and medieval periods with an increasing dominance of parasites transmitted by ineffective sanitation, especially roundworm, whipworm and protozoa that cause diarrheal illness.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference MesoMag: Geophysical Prospection for Mesolithic Land Use in Challenging Soil Environments
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Seeing yew for the forest: a call to action for improving conservation and restoration of the European yew (Taxus baccata L.),
The European yew (Taxus baccata L.) is a long-lived conifer of ecological, cultural, and historical importance across Eurasia. Despite its remarkable resilience, wide distribution, and symbolic importance, the species has experienced a long-term decline due to a complex interplay of climatic fluctuations, megafaunal extinctions, human exploitation, and insufficient regeneration. Recent studies in palaeoecology, archaeology, dendroecology, and conservation have revealed a species with greater ecological plasticity and a broader historical distribution than previously assumed. However, many fundamental questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding its biogeographical history, population dynamics, recruitment processes, and the drivers of its decline. This review stems from prior investigations of yew in the French Pyrenees and, more broadly, across Europe. These efforts led to a transdisciplinary seminar and opened a collaboration uniting >30 researchers across Eurasia. By synthesizing a wide array of data and perspectives, the article highlights key knowledge gaps and outlines emerging research priorities. These are organized thematically—past, present, and future—and include 25 questions on the species' ecological niche, life-history strategies, human interactions, genetic resilience, and conservation under global change. The article advocates for a shift towards integrative and long-term conservation strategies that embrace the historical legacies of yew populations, the general ecology of the species along with local ecological context dependence, and the urgency of future threats. By identifying pressing research needs, this review seeks to lay the foundation for new collaborative initiatives and to support evidence-based conservation of this emblematic yet understudied species.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Article Reference Developmental types and a new cryptic species of Chicoreus (Gastropoda: Muricidae) from Papua New Guinea
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2025