Archer, M.; Flannery, T.F.; Ritchie, A.; Molnar, R.E.
taxonomy · range · morphology · biogeography · ecology
Primary description of AM F66763; monotreme affinity and tooth homologies are interpretations of the preserved dentary.
AM F66763 is a right dentary fragment with three tribosphenic molars from the Griman Creek Formation; its monotreme affinity rests on published dental comparison and does not make Steropodon a direct ancestor or establish a universal monotreme first appearance.
claim:event:steropodon-holotype-monotremeAM F66763 defines Steropodon galmani and was interpreted as monotreme material from dental anatomy; it is not a direct ancestor or complete monotreme body plan.
claim:taxon:steropodon:taxonomyThe profile is limited to Lightning Ridge in the Griman Creek Formation and does not establish the complete range of Steropodon or Monotremata.
claim:taxon:steropodon:biogeographyMolar form permits a bounded feeding inference, while diet, habitat use and locomotion are not directly preserved by the jaw.
claim:taxon:steropodon:ecologyAM F66763 preserves a right dentary fragment with three molars compared with monotreme and tribosphenic dental conditions.
claim:taxon:steropodon:morphologyThe 110–100 Ma envelope is a broad formation-level navigation interval for the holotype, not a direct date, global FAD, LAD or crown-monotreme age.
claim:taxon:steropodon:fossil-rangeThe 110–0 Ma Monotremata route is a total-group navigation span anchored by the Griman Creek Steropodon jaw and living monotremes; dental affinity does not make Steropodon a crown member, direct ancestor or global monotreme FAD.
claim:taxon:monotremata:root-range