PALEO-RECONSTRUCTION AND PALEO-ART OF THE CISTECEPHALID DICYNODONT KEMBWACELA KITCHINGI

Dicynodonts were non-mammalian synapsids known for their burrowing capabilities and are among the least researched taxa in the paleontological field, despite the fact that they provide information on the evolution of both mammals and reptiles. Specimens are rare; however, and most are incomplete. The ~255 Ma Cistecephalid Dicynodont Kembwacela kitchingi from Zambia, is a recent discovery from 2009 that is an important part of the discussion relating to the evolution of this group. In total, five specimens have been found, including two deformed skulls, part of a spine and pelvis, and an almost complete skeleton missing the anterior spine, tail, and the majority if the back legs. Despite their incompleteness, interesting morphological characters have already been identified. Notably K. kitchingi are unique in that their small tusks – a sexually dimorphic feature in most Dicynodonts – are thought to have been present in both male and female members of the species.

In addition to the limited number of specimens, interpretation of the living forms of these organisms – as interpreted through paleoart reconstructions – are also lacking. This makes it hard to determine the physiology and life modes of K. kitchingi and how its morphology was similar to (or different than) other Dicynodonts, making it more difficult to determine its significance in the evolutionary lineage. To bridge the gap between scientists, and to educate the public, a detailed paleobiological analysis was undertaken, and a paleoart reconstruction was made to fulfill these needs. The reconstruction is made using both comparative anatomy with modern taxa and a biomechanical approach. The final reconstruction will provide a reference for paleontologists to use while conducting research, as well as allow the general public to better understand the morphology and phylogeny of this somewhat enigmatic group.