THE OLDEST SOUTH-AMERICAN ICHTHYOSAUR FROM THE LATE TRIASSIC OF NORTHERN CHILE

Ichthyosaur remains found in late Triassic shallow marine limestones in Quebrada Dona Ines Chica (latitude 26-degrees 07' S; longitude 69-degrees 20' W), northern Chile, are the oldest known ichthyosaur fossils from Central and South America. The previous oldest South American ichthyosaur was recorded in Hettangian rocks, also from northern Chile. The fossils comprise five worn teeth, one paddle bone and one scapula or humerus fragment, all collected from a single bed at the same locality. Although the material has not been identified to a generic or specific level, its presence alone broadens the knowledge of the distribution and habitat of Triassic ichthyosaurs. Late Triassic ammonites and brachiopods in the same stratum provide the age control.