CRANIAL RECONSTRUCTION OF A LATE CRETACEOUS ALLIGATORID

One of the most effective ways available to preparators and paleontologists is the ability to incorporate the techniques of molding, casting and complementary sculpture. This allows the accurate reconstruction of extinct taxa known only from incomplete specimens. In this instance, a specimen of the North American alligatorid Brachychampsa Montana is reconstructed based on more complete specimens of other alligatorids, both extinct and extant. In this presentation, we restrict ourselves to details of the cranium. This is the first stage of an investigation that will result in a life-sized, full bodied reconstruction.

The research effort was aided by the fact that the certain parameters of the animals size and shape, in particular the lower jaw. Elements preserved on one side and not the other were simply mirrored using sculpturing techniques. While those absent from the preserved material were reconstructed using a combination of allometry and comparative study with elements of other alligatorids of similar taxonomic level. The end result enhances the educational value of the material and is to form a part of a display for the general public.