Amson, E.; de Muizon, C.; Laurin, M.; Argot, C.; de Buffrénil, V.
range · morphology · ecology
Open primary comparative histology and CT study; aquatic function is inferred from bone structure and stratigraphic succession, not directly observed behaviour.
CT slices and thin sections across five stratigraphically successive Thalassocnus species show increasing rib and limb-bone compactness over roughly four million years, supporting progressive aquatic adaptation; hydrostatic control and marine grazing remain functional interpretations rather than observed behaviour.
claim:event:thalassocnus-bone-density-seriesThalassocnus is bounded by five named species sampled from successive Pisco Formation horizons over an approximately 8–3 Ma envelope; the sequence supports comparative bone-density change but is not a global genus duration, continuous population or direct ancestor series.
claim:taxon:thalassocnus:fossil-range