Pedrerasaurus
Encyclopedia
Pedrerasaurus is an extinct genus of scincogekkonomorph lizard from the Early Cretaceous
of Spain
. The type species
is P. latifrontalis. It is similar in appearance to Meyasaurus, a widespread Early Cretaceous
lizard that is also known from the Iberian Peninsula
. Both genera have bicuspid (two-cusped
) teeth, but unlike Meyasaurus, Pedrerasaurus has frontal bone
s that are not fused or constricted.
Early Cretaceous
The Early Cretaceous or the Lower Cretaceous , is the earlier or lower of the two major divisions of the Cretaceous...
of Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. The type species
Type species
In biological nomenclature, a type species is both a concept and a practical system which is used in the classification and nomenclature of animals and plants. The value of a "type species" lies in the fact that it makes clear what is meant by a particular genus name. A type species is the species...
is P. latifrontalis. It is similar in appearance to Meyasaurus, a widespread Early Cretaceous
Early Cretaceous
The Early Cretaceous or the Lower Cretaceous , is the earlier or lower of the two major divisions of the Cretaceous...
lizard that is also known from the Iberian Peninsula
Iberian Peninsula
The Iberian Peninsula , sometimes called Iberia, is located in the extreme southwest of Europe and includes the modern-day sovereign states of Spain, Portugal and Andorra, as well as the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar...
. Both genera have bicuspid (two-cusped
Cusp (dentistry)
A cusp is an occlusal or incisal eminence on a tooth.Canine teeth, otherwise known as cuspids, each possess a single cusp, while premolars, otherwise known as bicuspids, possess two each. Molars normally possess either four or five cusps...
) teeth, but unlike Meyasaurus, Pedrerasaurus has frontal bone
Frontal bone
The frontal bone is a bone in the human skull that resembles a cockleshell in form, and consists of two portions:* a vertical portion, the squama frontalis, corresponding with the region of the forehead....
s that are not fused or constricted.