Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003

Godefroit, Pascal, Bolotsky, Yuri L. & Bolotsky, Ivan Y., 2012, Osteology and relationships of Olorotitan arharensis, a hollow-crested hadrosaurid dinosaur from the latest Cretaceous of Far Eastern Russia, Acta Palaeontologica Polonica 57 (3), pp. 527-560 : 530-550

Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003

Figs. 2–22 .

Holotype: AEHM 2 /845, an articulated, but incomplete adult skeleton including the skull and most of the postcranium, with the exception of several dorsal vertebrae, ribs, proximal haemapophyses, right humerus, right manus, left antebrachium, pubes, right hindlimb, and left pes.

Type locality: Kundur (N 49 ° 04’57.5”, E 130 ° 51’34.1”), Amur region, Far Eastern Russia .

Type horizon: Udurchukan Formation ( Wodehouseia spinata –Aquilapollenites subtilis Palynozone),?late Maastrichtian, Late Cretaceous.

Emended diagnosis.—Lambeosaurine dinosaur characterized by the following autapomorphies: large helmet−like hollow crest higher than the rest of the skull and extending caudally well beyond the level of the occiput; very high postorbital process of jugal (ratio height of postotbital process/length of jugal = 1); rostral portion of the jugal shorter than in other lambeosaurines, with a perfectly straight rostral margin; asymmetrical maxilla in lateral view, with ventral margin distinctly down−turned; elongated neck composed of 18 cervical vertebrae; tibia as long as the femur; short cnemial crest, about one fifth of tibia length.

Description

Skull and mandible

Although most of the skull bones were slightly displaced and the nasal is incompletely preserved, the skull of AEHM 2/845 can be accurately reconstructed ( Fig. 3 ). The large crest dominates the skull. In lateral view, the profile of the skull appears slightly concave, and the crest is much higher than the rest of the skull. It is even higher than in Lambeosaurus magnicristatus CMN 8705. The nasal formed most of the caudal part of the crest and likely extended well beyond the level of the occiput. The morphology of the internal nasal passage remains unknown because of the fragmentary nasal and the dorsoventrally crushed premaxillae. All the measurements taken on AEHM 2/845 are compiled in Appendix 1.

Fused exoccipital−opisthotic.—Above the foramen magnum, the dorsal side of the exoccipital−opisthotic is more depressed than in Amurosaurus riabinini and Sahaliyania elunchunorum . The exoccipital condyloids are particularly massive and form the prominent dorsolateral portions of the occipital condyle ( Fig. 4E). Caudal to the metotic strut, the lateral side of the occipital condyle is pierced by three foramina for cranial nerves ( Figs. 4A, B, 5D ). The most caudal foramen is the largest and provided passage for the hypoglossal nerve (cn XII). The vagus canal (for cn X) is set more dorsally and opens medially into the metotic (“jugular”) foramen. According to Evans (2010), the smaller foramen between the vagus and hypoglossal foramina conducted a separate branch of the hypoglossal nerve and not cn XI (contra Godefroit et al. 2004a, b). A horizontal sulcus along the prominent metotic strut ( Figs. 4A, 5D ) is, according to Ostrom (1961), interpreted as a stapedial recess. Cranial to the metotic strut, a large auditory foramen ( Figs. 4A, B, 5D ) is divided by an oblique crista interfenestralis into a rostral fenestra ovalis (stapedial recess) and a caudal metotic foramen. The metotic foramen contains separate openings for cn IX (dorsal) and the internal jugular vein (ventral).

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The paroccipital processes have a pendent aspect and their tip reaches the level of the base of the occipital condyle ( Fig. 4E). They are more gracile than in Amurosaurus riabinini , but more robust than in Sahaliyania elunchunorum . As previously described in Amurosaurus riabinini , the dorsolateral angle of the paroccipital process inserts into a ventral depression of the squamosal in a synovial joint ( Fig. 4E).

Prootic.—The stout caudodorsal branch of the prootic extensively covers the rostral surface of the paroccipital process and contacts the supraoccipital and the parietal for a short distance. A well−developed crista otosphenoidale extends into the paroccipital process ( Fig. 5D ). More ventrally, the prootic is notched both by the rostral margin of the auditory recess and by the caudal margin of the large foramen for the Gasserian ganglion of the trigeminal nerve (cn V). From the latter aperture, ramus mandibularis of the trigeminal nerve (V 3) forms a ventrally−directed sulcus along the lateral surface of the prootic, just behind the basisphenoid process of the laterosphenoid ( Figs. 4A, B, 5D ). Between the notches for the auditory foramen and the trigeminal nerve, the lateral side of the prootic bears a narrow and elongated sulcus that housed ramus palatinus of the facial nerve (cn VII; Figs. 4A, B, 5D ). The prootic forms a ventral flange that covers the lateral surface of the basisphenoid. The caudoventral ridge that conceals the dorsal part of the carotid canal, in continuity with the alar process of the basisphenoid, is much less developed than in Amurosaurus riabinini .

Laterosphenoid.—The caudal prootic process of the laterosphenoid covers the rostral portion of the prootic. The ventral basisphenoid process ( Fig. 5D ) forms a prominent foot that covers the alar process of the basisphenoid and the ventral flange of the prootic. The angle between the prootic and basisphenoid processes forms the rostral margin of the trigeminal nerve. The ramus ophthalmicus of the trigeminal nerve (V 1) has a wide and deep horizontal sulcus on the basisphenoid process of the laterosphenoid. The rostral margin of the basisphenoid process is notched by the large common foramen for oculomotor (III) and abducens (VI) nerves. The postorbital process of the laterosphenoid extends rostrolaterally to form a synovial articulation with the postorbital ( Fig. 4D). The rostral side of the postorbital process articulates with the frontal and the orbitosphenoid.

Orbitosphenoid.—The rostroventral part of the braincase is crushed and, consequently, the orbitosphenoid cannot be adequately described. The foramen for the trochlear nerve (IV) is large and located not far from the junction between the orbitospenoid and the parasphenoid ( Fig. 4D).

Presphenoid.—The paired presphenoids form the rostral margin of the large median opening for the olfactory nerve (cn I; Fig. 4A) on the rostroventral part of the braincase. Their caudal limit with the orbitosphenoid cannot be discerned. Dorsally, they contact the frontal.

Basioccipital.—The basioccipital of Olorotitan arharensis is proportionaly shortened, about twice as broad as long ( Fig. 4D), whereas it is as long as broad in Amurosaurus . In caudal view, the occipital condyle is kidney−shaped, low, and incised by a vertical furrow. Its articular surface is perfectly vertical. The dorsomedian side of the basioccipital forms the floor of the foramen magnum ( Fig. 4E). There is no distinct neck separating the occipital condyle from the sphenooccipital tubercles. An oblique crest extends along the lateral side of the sphenooccipital tubercles, in continuity with the ventral border of the paroccipital process. In front of this crest, the dorsal side of the basioccipital participates in the ventral border of the auditory foramen.

Basisphenoid.—The basisphenoid of Olorotitan arharensis is incompletely preserved. The basipterygoid processes extend caudoventrally ( Fig. 4A, B), as usual in hadrosaurids ( Godefroit et al. 1998). The alar process is eroded, but appears less developed than in Amurosaurus riabinini .

Parasphenoid.—This bone is completely fused to the basisphenoid, so that its limits cannot be discerned. It projects upwardly and forwardly between the orbits. Caudodorsally, it contacts the orbitosphenoid. Caudally, the parasphenoid forms the ventral margin of the common opening for the oculomotor (III) and abducens (VI) nerves ( Fig. 4D).

Supraoccipital.—The supraoccipital of Olorotitan arharensis ( Fig. 4E) is identical to that of Amurosaurus riabinini . Therefore, we refer to Godefroit et al. (2004b) for a detailed description of this bone.

Parietal.—Because of the dorsoventral crushing of the braincase, the parietal of AEMH 2/845 is broken in two along its midline ( Figs. 4C, 5C ). As usual in lambeosaurines, the parietal is shortened: the ratio “length/minimal width” <2, and the width of its proximal end equals the length of the bone. As in Amurosaurus riabinini (AEHM 1/252), Corythosaurus casuarius (AMNH 5433), and Lambeosaurus lambei ( Evans 2010) , the parietal length is over 50% the interorbital width of the skull. The parietal is proportionally shorter, being less than 40% of the interorbital width, in Hypacrosaurus altispinus , Hypacrosaurus stebingeri , Parasaurolophus walkeri ( Evans 2010) , and Charonosaurus jiayinensis (PG, personal observation). Rostrally, the parietal forms a wide rounded process interposed between the frontals. A rostral extension of the parietal has been observed in most lambeosaurines, including Amurosaurus riabinini (AEHM 1/232), Sahaliyania elunchunorum (GMH W453), Jaxartosaurus aralensis (PIN 1/5009), Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus (IVPP V725), Lambeosaurus sp. ( Gilmore 1924), Hypacrosaurus altispinus (AMNH 5248), and Corythosaurus casuarius (AMNH 5433). The rostrolateral processes of the parietal extend to contact the postorbitals. Ventrally the parietal forms a straight suture with the laterosphenoid and, caudally, with the prootic. Its caudoventral corners are notched by articulations with the supraoccipital knobs. The rostral half of the dorsal surface of the parietal is flat. From the middle part of the bone, a strong sagittal crest rises caudally. The caudal aspect of the parietal closely resembles the condition observed in Amurosaurus riabinini (see Godefroit et al. 2004b): the parietal forms a high triangular process that overhangs the supraoccipital and separates the squamosals from each other ( Figs. 4C, E, 5A ). The caudal surface of the parietal is deeply excavated and may have served as attachment area for a powerful ligamentum nuchae ( Fig. 4E).

Frontal.—The caudal portion of the frontal of AENM 2/845 has a large rectangular perforation ( Figs. 4C, 5C ) that might possibly correspond to a theropod premaxillary tooth mark (see above). Although the dorsal surface of the bone is markedly crushed around this perforation, it seems that a slight frontal dome was developed at this level, as observed in numerous lambeosaurines: Corythosaurus (AMNH 5248), “ Procheneosaurus convincens ” (PIN 2230) , “ Cheneosaurus tolmanensis ” ( Lambe 1917) , “ Tetragonosaurus erectofrons ” ( Parks 1931; Evans et al. 2005), Lambeosaurus magnicristatus (Evans and Reisz 2007) , Jaxartosaurus aralensis (PIN 5009), and Amurosaurus riabinini (AEHM 1/232). With an ectocranial length/width = 0.75, the frontal of AEMH 2/845 is proportionally wider than in a specimen of similar size in Amurosaurus riabinini (1.02 in AEHM 1/232; Godefroit et al. 2004b), but longer than in Sahaliyania elunchunorum (0.6 in the holotype GMH W453). As usual in lambeosaurines, the rostral part of the dorsal surface of the frontal is highly modified to form the base of the hollow crest. It forms a broad and strongly grooved platform that slopes rostrally and maximises the area for strong attachment of the nasals and premaxillae ( Figs. 4C, 5C ). The frontal platform of Olorotitan arharensis is wider than the ectocranial part of the bone, as also observed in adult specimens of Corythosaurus casuarius (ROM 1940) and Hypacrosaurus altispinus ( Gilmore 1937: fig. 32). However, it is probably an ontogenetic character: in younger Hypacrosaurus altispinus (AMNH 5248) and Corythosaurus casuarius (AMNH 5433) specimens, in which the frontals are not fused together and the median dome is well developed, the frontal platform is much narrower than the ectocranial part of the frontal. In Amurosaurus , on the contrary, the rostral platform is always much narrower than the caudal part of the frontal, even in older adult specimens. As in other lambeosaurines, the lateral bor− der of the frontal of Olorotitan arharensis forms a thick and

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interdigitate contact area, rostrally for the prefrontal and caudally for the postorbital. The frontal therefore did not participate in the dorsal margin of the orbit.

Squamosal.—The squamosal of Olorotitan arharenis is a massive element that forms the caudolateral border of the supratemporal fenestra. In lateral view, the dorsal margin of the squamosal progressively rises dorsally, so that it looks markedly concave ( Figs. 4A–E, 5B, C ). As usual in advanced lambeosaurines, the lateral side of the squamosal is markedly expanded above the cotylus ( Figs. 4A–C, 5B, C ). The rostral process of the squamosal is short but high. As previously described in Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b) , its lateral side has two parallel ridges that limit a wide articular surface for the caudal ramus of the postorbital ( Figs. 4A, B, 5B, C ). The lower ridge forms the dorsal limit of a large scar for attachment of M. adductor mandibulae externus superficialis ( Ostrom 1961). Both the pre− and postcotyloid processes are broken off. The postcotyloid process ( Fig. 4A) is massive and mediolaterally widened. The medial ramus of the squamosal is also particularly elevated ( Fig. 4E). The caudal triangular process of the parietal separates the mediam rami of the paired squamosals along nearly their entire height; however, they maybe contacted each other over a short distance quite dorsally above the triangular process. The ventromedial corner of the medial ramus forms a cup−shaped articular surface for synovial articulation with the dorsal knob of the supraoccipital ( Fig. 4E).

Postorbital.—The medial ramus of the postorbital is less shortened than in Amurosarus. Its rostromedial border is particularly thick and forms a persillate articulation with the prefrontal and frontal. Because of crushing of the braincase at this level, it is unclear whether the postorbital contacts the parietal caudally. The caudal ramus of the postorbital is shorter, straighter and higher than in Amurosaurus riabinini ( Figs. 4B, 5B ). Shortening of the caudal ramus is of course correlated with the general shortening of the parietal and of the supratemporal fenestra. Although the caudal ramus of the left postorbital is crushed and the squamosal displaced, it seems that the dorsal margin of the infratemporal fenestra lay slightly below the level of the dorsal margin of the orbit (contra Prieto−Marquez 2010a), as observed in lambeosaurines except Aralosaurus tuberiferus , Jaxartosaurus aralensis , and Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus ( Prieto−Marquez 2010a; character 192). It must be noted that the dorsal margin of the supratemporal fenestra was apparently substantially more dorsally located than the dorsal margin of the orbit in Amurosaurus riabinini (contra Prieto−Marquez 2010a).

The ventral ramus of the postorbital is rather slender and triangular in cross−section ( Figs. 4B, 5B ). Its caudal side is deeply excavated, along its whole height, by the articulation facet for the ascending process of the jugal. The dorsolateral orbital rim is rugose, as observed in other hadrosaurids ( Maryańska and Osmólska 1979).

There is no trace of a dorsal promontorium, as described by Godefroit et al. (2001) in Charonosaurus jiayinensis : in this taxon, the sutural surface for the prefrontal clearly extends onto the dorsal surface of the postorbital, forming an elongated, thickened, and rugose area that helped supporting the supracranial crest. Sullivan and Williamson (1999: figs. 16B, 17B) indicated that, in Parasaurolophus tubicen , the postorbital meets the prefrontal with a thickened, rugose contact. For that reason, Godefroit et al. (2001) hypothesized that the dorsal promontorium of the postorbital is a synapomorphy for Charonosaurus and Parasaurolophus . However, Evans et al. (2007) noted that the presence or absence of this character could not be verified on close inspection of the P. cyrtocristatus and P. walkeri holotype skulls. Therefore, the phylogentic importance of this character remains doubtful. Prieto−Marquez (2010a; character 128) subsequently gave another definition for the dorsal promontorium of the postorbital: when the dorsal promontorium is present, the articular margin of the prefrontal is elevated and the dorsal surface of the postorbital above the jugal process is deeply depressed. Following this latter definition, a dorsal promontorium can be identified in Olorotitan arharensis and is also present in Amurosurus riabinini and in all North American lambeosaurines.

Prefrontal.—Only a small portion of the prefrontal is preserved in AEHM 2/845. It is inserted between the frontal and the postorbital ( Fig. 4C). As in Corythosaurus casuarius (AMNH 5433) and Hypacrosaurus altispinus (AMNH 5248), the prefrontal is much less developed medially in Olorotitan arharensis than in Amurosaurus riabinini and Jaxartosaurus aralensis and only participates in a small part of the ventral articulation platform for the hollow crest, although it forms the greatest part of this platform in the latter two taxa ( Godefroit et al. 2004b).

Maxilla.—In lateral view, the rostral part of the ventral margin is not straight, as in most hadrosaurids, but distinctly down−turned, as is also the case in Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus and Lambeosaurus laticaudus . The dorsal process is directed caudodorsally from the horizontal alveolar ramus; its apex lies at the level of the caudal third of the bone and the maxilla therefore looks strongly asymmetrical in lateral view ( Fig. 6 ). The jugal process forms a concave surface that nearly covers laterally the whole height of the dorsal process ( Fig. 6A 1). The dorsal process is proportionally higher and rostrocaudally shorter than in other lambeosaurines, in relation to the high and short rostral process of the jugal. The lacrimal facet forms a deep elongated groove along the rostrolateral side of the dorsal process. At its base, a large ovoid canal, which probably represents the antorbital fenestra among hadrosaurids ( Weishampel and Horner 1990), penetrates the dorsal process to communicate with its excavated caudomedial surface. Ventral to the jugal process, six foramina penetrate the maxilla and extend caudodorsally to open into the excavated caudomedial surface of the dorsal process, caudal to the antorbital foramen. As is usual in hadrosaurids, the ectopterygoid ridge is strongly developed and nearly horizontal; only its distal part is ventrally deflected ( Fig. 6A ). As is usual in Euhadrosauria (sensu Weishampel et al. 1993), the ectopterygoid ridge extends to the jugal facet as a continuous, albeit recurved lip, but the maxilla−jugal joint is not set much higher than the ectopterygoid ridge, contrasting with the condition described in Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus and Pararhabdodon isonensis ( Prieto−Marquez and Wagner 2009) . The ectopterygoid shelf is broader than in Amurosaurus riabinini . Caudal to the dorsal process, it forms a triangular palatine process that slopes inwards and whose caudal border has a distinct articular facet for the palatine. More caudally, the medial edge of the ectopterygoid shelf forms a caudally−directed pterygoid process, which received the maxillary process of the pterygoid ( Fig. 6B ). The rostral shelf of the maxilla, which supported the lateral premaxillary process, is much better developed than in Amurosaurus riabinini . The medial surface of the maxilla is perfectly flat and pierced by a series of special foramina interconnected by a gently curving horizontal groove, along the whole length of the bone ( Fig. 6B ).

There are about 45 rows of maxillary teeth in the holotype specimen. The crowns are narrow, lanceolate, perfectly straight and symmetrical. The median primary ridge is more salient than on the dentary teeth. There is no secondary ridge. Both margins of the crowns are gently denticulate. The marginal denticulations are apparently simple. The roots are high and very narrow.

Jugal.—The rostral process is extremely shortened rostrocaudally but dorsoventrally expanded. Its rostral border is perfectly straight and slightly caudodorsally inclined in lateral view ( Fig. 7 ). The shape of the rostral process in Olorotitan arharensis approaches the condition observed in jugals that may tentatively be referred to Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus ( Young 1958: fig. 41). It also resembles the rostral processes described in Hypacrosaurus altispinus ( Evans 2010) , although the rostral process appears less shortened in these North American lambeosaurines. In Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b) , Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2008) , Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Godefroit et al. 2001) , Lambeosaurus lambei , Corythosaurus casuarius , and Hypacrosaurus stebingeri ( Evans 2010) , the rostral process tends to be broader with a distinctly more rounded profile, particularly in juveniles. On the medial side of the rostral process, the maxillary facet is narrow, rectangular in shape, and strongly striated for tight ligamentous attachment with the maxilla. Because of the shortening of the rostral process, the maxillary process is nearly vertical. The lacrimal process is particularly high, too. The jugal neck is strongly contracted, and the ventral margin of the bone, particularly concave. The postorbital process is thin and appears higher than in other lambeosaurines: the ratio “height of jugal at the level of postorbital process/length of jugal” = 1. The lacrimal and postorbital processes of the

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postorbital process jugal are nearly parallel, indicating that the ventral part of the orbit was very narrow. The caudal process (or subtemporal blade) of the jugal also raises caudodorsally at about the same angle as the postorbital process, a condition also observed in Velafrons coahuilensis ( Gates et al. 2007) , Hypacrosaurus altispinus , and Hypacrosaurus stebingeri ( Evans 2010) , indicating that the ventral portion of the infratemporal fenestra was constricted. The caudomedial side of the caudal process has a smooth articular facet for the quadratojugal ( Fig. 7B ). The ventral flange is less developed than in Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2008) and Hypacrosaurus altispinus ( Evans 2010) .

Quadrate.—The dorsal part of the right quadrate is preserved in the holotype specimen. In lateral view, it is distinctly curved backwards, as normal in lambeosaurines. However, it appears particularly gracile, when compared with that of other lambeosaurines, such as Amurosaurus riabinini and Sahaliynia elunchunorum . The quadratojugal notch is elongated and a continuous depressed area surrounds its lateral side, showing that it was completely covered by the quadratojugal. The pterygoid wing is particularly thick.

Premaxilla.—The hypertrophied premaxilla forms the expanded rostrum of the muzzle and participates in a great portion of the hollow supracranial crest. Because of the important post−mortem crushing of the crest, only the external aspect of the premaxilla can be described. The internal anatomy cannot be interpreted by C−T scanning. In lateral view, the premaxilla has a shallowly concave profile (crest−snout angle not less than 150 °; Fig. 8A ), as in Hypacrosaurus altispinus and Hypacrosaurus stebingeri ( Evans 2010) . In Corythosaurus casuarius and Lambeosaurus spp. , the crest−snout angle becomes progressively smaller through ontogeny and the crest−snout angle in adults does not exceed 135 ° in Corythosaurus and 116 ° in Lambeosaurus ( Dodson 1975; Evans 2010). The rostral part of the premaxilla gently flares to form an arcuate beak, but the lateral expansion of the beak is limited. As described by Horner et al. (2004), the premaxillary rostral margin has a “double layer” morphology, consisting of an external rugose and denticulate layer and an internal palatal layer of thickened bone separated from the denticulate layer by a deep arcuate sulcus. As it is usual in lambeosaurines, there is no premaxillary foramen. The external naris is entirely surrounded by the premaxilla and the left and right external passages are completely separated in the snout region.

The external naris is fairly large and overhangs the rostral part of the maxilla. It is lacriform in shape and caudally constricted both by a ventral expansion of the caudodorsal premaxillary process and by the dorsal expansion of the caudolateral premaxillary process ( Fig. 8A ). Behind the external naris, both caudal processes are intimately connected into a straight suture. The caudolateral and caudodorsal processes are not separated caudally by a rostroventral process from the nasal, particularly well developed in Corythosaurus casuarius and in Hypacrosaurus stebingeri . The caudolateral process is long and extends caudally well beyond the level of the prefrontal. It forms a well developed ventrolateral articulation facet for the prefrontal. Behind this articulation, the ventral border of the caudolateral process articulates with the rostral part of the nasal. The caudal portion of the caudolateral process does not expand dorsoventrally in the frontal region of the skull and does not display a bilobate aspect, as observed in Hypacrosaurus altispinus , Hypacrosaurus stebingeri , Lambeosaurus lambei , Lambeosaurus magnicristatus , and to a lesser degree Corythosaurus casuarius . The caudodorsal process extends caudodorsally far beyond the level of the caudolateral process and tapers caudally into a nasal blunt point. It has no accessory rostroventral flange that overlaps the lateral surface of the nasal in the rostral region of the crest, contrasting with the condition in Hypacrosaurus altispinus , Lambeosaurus lambei , and Lambeosaurus magnicristatus . The caudodorsal process forms a wide ventromedial surface for extensive articulation with the nasal. This process did not participate in the caudal margin of the hollow crest, contrasting with the condition observed in Lambeosaurus lambei and Lambeosaurus magnicristatus . Caudally, the dorsolateral surface of the caudodorsal process is depressed along the midline.

Nasal.—Only a small part of the nasal remains attached along the ventral border of the premaxillary caudolateral process ( Fig. 8A ). The largest part of the bone was displaced and completely crushed. However, it can be assumed that the paired nasals formed a large fan−shaped plate, with a long external internasal joint along the caudal and caudoventral margin of the crest. The ventral margin was apparently shallowly concave and the caudoventral process, prominent ( Fig. 8B ). The sutural pattern with the premaxilla was apparently quite simple: rostrally, the nasal was attached caudoventrally to the caudolateral premaxillary process, then to the caudodorsal process, more caudally.

Predentary.—The predentary of Olorotitan arharensis is gracile and shovel−shaped. It appears much more transversely expanded than long ( Fig. 9 ). Because it is dorsoventrally crushed and the ends of the lateral processes are missing, its depth/length ratio (sensu Prieto−Marquez 2010a; character 23) cannot be adequately estimated. Its rostral process is perfectly straight, as in Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus , and forms angles of about 40 ° with the dorsal margin of the lateral processes. The rostral margin is strongly denticulate, with 13 subrectangular denticles that project rostrally. The denticles are tightly arranged and there is no substantial separation between their bases. A dozen nutrient foramina are distributed across the entire rostral margin. Two pairs of median processes extend back over the dentary symphysis. The dorsal pair is longer and spike−like; it extends along the rostral process as a sharp ridge. The ventral pair of median processes is shorter, but wider. It is supported on a continuous ridge along the caudal margin of the predentary. High dorsal ridges extend along the lateral processes.

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Dentary.—In dorsal view, the dentary appears less curved externally than in Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Fig. 10C ). In lateral view ( Fig. 10B ), the ventral deflection of the rostral part of the dentary is less important than in specimens of comparable size that can be attributed to Sahaliyania elunchunorum , Amurosaurus riabinini , and Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus . It more closely resembles the condition in Charonosaurus jiayinensis and in North American lambeosaurines (see Godefroit et al. 2001), although considerable variation can be observed in North American taxa such as Corythosaurus and Lambeosaurus . The rostral ventral border of the dentary forms an angle of about 20 ° with the horizontal. The ventral deflection originates near the rostral third of the dental battery. The dental battery is long, formed by about 38 tooth rows in the holotype ( Fig. 10A ). The ratio between the length of the diastema (“proximalmost edentulous slope” of Prieto−Marquez 2010a) and the distance between the rostralmost tooth position and the caudal margin of the coronoid process is 0.27, exactly as in AEMH 1/19, the holotype of Amurosaurus riabinini . The diastema appears slightly shorter in Sahaliyania elunchunorum (0.24 in GMH W451; contra Prieto Marquez [2010a], who considered that a ratio beween 0.32 and 0.45 is synapomorphic for Amurosaurus and Sahaliyania ). The diastema forms an angle of about 165 ° with the horizontal. According to Prieto−Marquez (2010a; character 34), an angle between the diastema and the horizontal of 150 ° or more is synapomorphic for Corythosaurus casuarius , Lambeosaurus lambei , Lambeosaurus magnicristatus , Hypacrosaurus stebingeri , and Velafrons coahuilensis . However, this character is not retained in the present phylogenetic analysis, because its polarity remains controversial (1 in Bactrosaurus johnsoni and Probactrosaurus ssp, according to Prieto−Márquez 2008: table A.1). The rostral articular surface for the predentary is typically scoopshaped ( Fig. 10C ). The dentary symphysis is nearly horizontal ( Fig. 10A ). The lingual projection of the symphyseal region (ratio between the labiolingual extension of the symphyseal region and the maximum labiolingual width of the dentary ramus [ Prieto−Marquez 2010a; character 38] = 2.25) is not as important as in Tsintaosaurus spinorhinus and Pararhabdodon isonensis ( Prieto−Marquez and Wagner 2009) . The lateral side of the dentary is regularly convex dorsoventrally. It is irregularly pierced by half a dozen foramina for vessels and nerves. The coronoid process is robust, but appears proportionally lower than in Sahaliyania elunchunorum and Amurosaurus riabinini . As is usual in hadrosaurids, it slopes rostrally and is slightly curved medially; its lateral side has an extended triangular surface along its dorsal part, marking the insertion of a powerful M. pseudotemporalis . In caudal view, the dentary is deeply excavated by the adductor fossa. Contrary to what is usually observed in hadrosaurids, the mandibular groove is closed medially ( Fig. 10A ). However, an open mandibular groove can be observed in other, smaller lambeosaurines dentaries discovered at Kundur. Therefore, this unusual condition in AEHM 2/845 may be pathological, or an ontogenetic character, observed in older individuals only. The angular facet is elongated along the medioventral border of the dentary ( Fig. 10A ).

Two or three efficient teeth plus two or three replacement teeth form each dentary tooth row ( Fig. 10A ). The replacement pattern is normal ( Ostrom 1961), with caudal teeth progressively more completely erupted. The dentary crowns are lanceolate. Their enamelled side is proportionally wider than in the maxillary teeth, with a “height/width” ratio of about 4 for the teeth located in the middle of the dental battery ( Fig. 11 ). The median carina is prominent and sometimes slightly sinuous, especially on the rostral teeth, a character that is often observed in lambeosaurines ( Godefroit et al. 2001). One, and sometimes even two, faint mesial accessory ridges are sporadically developed on some crowns. The marginal denticles are well developed along the dorsal half of the mesial margin of the crown, each denticle consisting of three separate and rounded knobs aligned labiolongually. Because the distal margin of the crown is covered by the mesial margin of the succeeding one, the development of the distal marginal denticles cannot be accurately assessed.

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intercentrum postzygapophysis neural spine

Surangular.—Both surangulars are partly preserved in AEHM 2/845. They are identical to those in other lambeosaurines and therefore they are not described here.

Axial skeleton

Cervical vertebrae.—The articulated cervical series of AEHM 2/845 comprises 18 vertebrae, which means that the neck was more elongated than in any other hadrosaurid. In hadrosaurines, the cervical series is composed of 12 or 13 vertebrae ( Lull and Wright 1942). Fifteen cervical vertebrae are reported in Lambeosaurus magnicristatus (Evans and Reisz 2007) , 14 in a juvenile specimen of Lambeosaurus? lambei ( Lull and Wright 1942) , and 13 in Parasaurolophus walkeri ( Gilmore 1924) .

Proatlas.—A flattened bone, found close to the proximal end of the cervical series, is tentatively interpreted as a left proatlas, by comparison with that described in Mantellisaurus atherfieldensis ( Norman 1986: figs. 23, 24). However that bone, appears proportionally much larger in Olorotitan than in Mantellisaurus . It is roughly triangular, and the apex is caudal ( Fig. 12A ). The cranial border is shallowly concave. A large ventromedially directed articular facet is effectively the postzygapophysis of the proatlas ( Norman 1986).

Atlas .—The atlas is composed of an intercentrum, fused neural arches, and an odontoid. In anterior view, the intercentrum is crescentic and particularly enlarged transversely ( Fig. 12B 1). Its rostral surface is inclined and it forms a wide and flattened articulation surface with the occipital condyle. Its posterior surface, which articulated with the axis complex, is vertical and flat. Its dorsolateral corners are truncated by the articular facets for the neural arch.

The neural arches are completely fused in this specimen and form a low, caudally inclined neural spine ( Fig. 12B ). Their cranial borders form very wide prezygapophyseal processes that supported each proatlas. The postzyapophyseal processes are also widely developed on the caudal side of the neural arches, overlying the prezygapophyses of the axis ( Fig. 12B 2 ).

The odontoid is massive and crescentic ( Fig. 13A ). Its dorsal side, which forms the floor of the neural canal, is slightly concave transversely, whereas its ventral side is very convex. The odontoid is completely fused to the axial centrum.

Axis.—The axial centrum is poorly preserved and its limits with the odontoid process and the axial intercentrum cannot be discerned ( Fig. 13A ). It appears relatively elongated, slightly expanded laterally at both ends. The axial intercentrum is crescentic in shape along the cranioventral side of the centrum. The widely developed prezygapophyses correspond in shape to the atlantal postzygapophysis, and extend cranially beyond the margin of the neural spine and centrum. The neural arch forms a large, craniocaudally expanded, and regularly convex neural spine ( Fig. 13A ). Caudally, the spine bifurcates into two divergent laminae that support ventrally the broad elliptical postzygapophyses ( Fig. 13B ). Directly caudal to the prezygapophyseal peduncle, small short transverse processes project caudolaterally from the lateral sides of the neural arch and terminate into smoothly rounded diapophysis.

Post−axial cervical vertebrae.—All the cervical centra are strongly opisthocoelous, with a hemispherical cranial articular surface and a deeply concave, cup−shaped caudal surface ( Fig. 14 ). Because of post−mortem deformation and intimate articulation between adjacent opisthocoelous centra, the vertebrae cannot be adequately measured. However, it can be asserted that all the cervical centra are higher than wide and that their length tends to increase alightly throughout the cervical series (L = 100 mm in C 4, 118 mm in C17). All the cervical centra are wider caudally than cranially and are slightly contracted in the middle. All have a prominent ventral keel: the rostral and caudal articular surfaces therefore retain a characteristic heart shape; above the keel, the lateral walls are slightly concave and may be pierced by a small nutritive foramen. On the cranial cervical vertebrae, the parapophysis is set on the cranial end of a horizontal ridge, in the middle of the lateral side of the centrum; towards the caudal part of the neck, the parapophyses progressively migrate towards the dorsolateral side of the centrum, at the base of the transverse processes of the neural arch. The neural arch encloses a wide neural canal. On Cv3 and Cv4, the transverse processes are only poorly developed, but their size progressively increases throughout the series: they become longer, stouter and more curved ventrally and caudally ( Fig. 14B 2 ). The elliptical diapophysis is set on the lateral end of the transverse process. The articular surface of the prezygapophysis is inclined caudally and slightly medially on the dorsal side of the tranverse process ( Fig. 14A, B 2 ). The postzygapophyseal processes are particularly long and stout in Olorotitan arharensis , more than three times longer than the width of the neural arch ( Fig. 14A 2, B 2 ). They diverge caudally to cover the transverse processes of the succeeding adjacent vertebra. The large and elliptical postzygapophyses are inclined cranially and slightly laterally ( Fig. 14A 1, B 1). The postzygapophyseal processes become progressively larger passing through the cervical series, and the maximal size is reached in Cv16. Along the cervical series, the bases of the postzygapophyseal processes tend to fuse together, so that they become higher and less divergent. The neural spine forms

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a small tubercle between the postzygapophyseal processes. It is slightly better developed on Cv17 and Cv18, forming a small hook−like process ( Fig. 14B ).

Cervical ribs.—Cervical ribs are poorly preserved in the holotype. The axial rib is apparently double−headed ( Fig. 13A ), as are the other cervical ribs. The capitulum articulates with the parapophysis on the lateral surface of the centrum and the tubercle meets the diapophysis on the distal end of the transverse process. The capitulum and tuberculum become relatively longer in the caudal part of the cervical series. Although they are in all cases incomplete, the distal end of the cervical ribs appears mediolaterally compressed and caudoventrally oriented.

Dorsal vertebrae.—Thirteen dorsal vertebrae are preserved in the holotype specimen, but they were found completely disarticulated, so their exact position along the dorsal series cannot be ascertained. The six caudalmost dorsal vertebrae are preserved in connection in the referred specimen AEHM 2/846. All the dorsal vertebrae remain distinctly opisthocoelous in Olorotitan arharensis ( Fig. 15B, D ). According to Horner et al. (2004), this is an unusual character among hadrosaurids: usually, only the first dorsal is slightly opisthocoelous, whereas the other centra are amphiplatyan. However, strongly opisthocoelous dorsal vertebrae have been described in Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b) and we feel that this character must be checked in detail among North American hadrosaurids. Because of the development of the ventral ridge, the cranial and caudal articular surfaces remain heart−shaped ( Fig. 15A 1, B 1). The centra progressively become relatively shorter through the dorsal series ( Fig. 15C ). Above the carina, the lateral sides of the centrum are strongly contracted and pierced by several irregularly distributed nutritive foramina. The neural arch is very robust. The prezygapophyses are wide, with a craniocaudal long axis. They are slightly concave and are inclined medially, dorsally, and cranially. Caudodorsally, they are separated from each other by a thin median vertical ridge from the base of the neural spine and, cranioventrally, by an incision ( Fig. 15A 1, B 1). The postzygapophyses are also wide, slightly concave, with a craniocaudal great axis; they are inclined ventrally, laterally, and slightly caudally ( Fig. 15A 2, B 2 ). A deep indentation separates them at the base of the neural spine. The diapophyses are elongated and stout. They are strongly inclined caudally and dorsally. This is in apparent contradiction with Horner et al.’s (2004) assertion that the diapophyses of dorsal vertebrae are nearly horizontal in lambeosaurines. The ventral side of the diapophyses has a strong carina, extending towards the caudoventral corner of the neural arch. This carina forms the ventrolateral margin of extremely excavated fossae on the caudal side of the neural arch, below the postzygapophyses. These fossae are separated from each other by a median carina from the base of the postzygapophyses to the roof of the medullary canal. The parapophyses form slight kidney−shaped depressed areas between the diapophyses and prezygapophyses ( Fig. 15A 2, B 2 ). The neural spines are subrectangular in lateral view. All are much higher than the corresponding centrum. The highest spines are about four times as high as craniocaudally long and more than three times as high as the centrum. Their apex is roughened, indicating the possible presence of a cartilage cap in life. The orientation of the neural spine is variable, depending on the position within the dorsal series: on the cranial dorsal vertebrae, it is distinctly inclined caudally ( Fig. 15A 2 ), whereas it becomes nearly vertical in the caudal part of the dorsal series ( Fig. 15B 2 ).

Dorsal ribs.—Only a few dorsal ribs are associated with the holotype specimen, and most are incomplete. The capitulum is rather small and is supported by a long and gently curved neck. The tuberculum is elliptical in shape and forms a shoul− der area on the rib. The shaft is long and particularly robust; it curves laterally, tapering to a compressed distal tip. Its cranial surface is convex, whereas its caudal surface is flat. Its medial border is thinner than its lateral border. A prominent ridge curves ventrally from the rostrodorsal edge of the tuberculum across the cranial surface of the shaft.

Sacrum.—In the holotype specimen, the massive sacral piece is composed of 15 vertebrae.This character was regarded as diagnostic by Godefroit et al. (2003). Unfortunately, this piece is crushed and most centra are completely obscured by the fused ilia ( Fig. 16A ). Therefore, it is not possible to recognize each vertebra precisely. It is in fact highly probable that true sacral vertebrae are less numerous and that several posterior dorsal vertebrae and, maybe, one or two caudal vertebrae from the proximal region fused with the sacrum. It must be remembered that this specimen was probably an old adult, and that several other bones are fused together. The sacrum is visible in right lateral view in the referred specimen AEHM 2/846, but the centra are also obscured by the articulated right ilium ( Fig. 16B ). In this specimen, probably a younger adult, the sacrum is apparently formed of 9 or 10 true sacrals, plus one dorsosacral and one caudosacral, the usual numbers observed in hadrosaurids ( Horner et al. 2004). The ventral surfaces of the sacral centra are slightly grooved. The neural spines of the sacrals are slightly higher than those of the adjacent dorsals and caudals ( Fig. 15C ). In both specimens, the lateral sides of the neural spines of the sacrals are made rigid by a dense double−layered lattice of ossified tendon that extends onto the caudal portion of the dorsals and onto the proximal part of the caudals. In the holotype, the neural spines are completely fused together, whereas they remain well separated in AEHM 2/846.

Caudal vertebrae.—The tail of Olorotitan arharensis is composed of 70 vertebrae. The complete series was discovered in connection in the holotype specimen. The first vertebra was destroyed during excavation. The centra of the proximal three caudals are slightly procoelous; the others are amphiplatyan ( Fig. 17C ). In proximal caudal vertebrae, the centra are about two times higher than long ( Fig. 17A ) and the articular surfaces are sub−rectangular. The centra progressively diminish in size towards the end of the tail. The centra become proportionally longer and less high ( Fig. 17B ), and the articular surfaces become hexagonal. Caudal ribs are fused to the lateral side of the centra on the proximal 14 vertebrae ( Fig. 17C ), their size progressively diminishing back through the series. They are dorsoventrally flattened and inclined ventrally and caudally. The lateral sides of the centra are slightly depressed. The ventral side is very concave and forms four large haemapophyseal facets ( Fig. 17C ); the distal facets are usually better developed than the proximal ones. The neural arch of the caudal vertebrae is less robust than that of the dorsal vertebrae and the size of the medullary canal is smaller. The prezygapophyses are inclined medially, whereas the postzygapophyses are similarly inclined laterally. The pre− and postzygapophyses apparently articulated up to the level of the 50 th caudal. The size of the zygapophyses and of the medullary canal progressively decreases towards the end of the tail. The neural spine of the proximal caudal vertebrae is high, about twice as high as the centrum and six times as high as long. All are inclined distally. The neural spines are straight in the proximal part of the tail ( Fig. 17A ), but, from the 17 th caudal, they become curved ( Fig. 17B ). They usually have, on their lateral sides, strong longitudinal ridges, marking the insertion of powerful tendons that made the tail rigid. Traces of ossified tendons are observed on the proximal part of the tail up to the 19 th caudal. The apex of the neural spines is usually roughened and expanded, both proximodistally and transversely. Around the 20 th caudal, the apices of adjacent neural spines even contacted each other, forming some kind of additional articulation that made this part of the vertebral column particularly rigid: the proximal border of the distal spine forms a knob−like process that inserts into a cup−shaped depression on the distal bor− der of the preceding ( Fig. 17D ). Of course, this may be a pathological character, or an ontogenetic character relating to

http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.2011.0051 ossified tendons supra-acetabular process the great age of the animal. In any case, there are numerous clear repaired fractures of the neural spines (on Cd 16 and 30, for example). Both the centra and neural arches of the 66 th and 67 th caudals are fused together. Only the last two caudals are apparently devoid of a neural arch ( Fig. 17E ).

Chevrons.—Most of the chevrons were found in articulation with the tail of the holotype. Unfortunately, the greatest part was lost during transportation of the specimen from the field to Blagoveschensk. In the proximal part of the tail, the height of the chevrons more or less corresponds to the height of the corresponding neural spines; distally, it is always much lower and more slender. Their caudoventral orientation was also apparently equivalent to the caudodorsal angle of the neural spine.

Pectoral girdle and forelimb

Scapula.—Both scapulae are nearly complete in the holotype ( Fig. 18A, B ). They are particularly long and slender, reaching about the level of the 10 th dorsal rib. The L/W ratio of the scapula is about five and was overestimated in Godefroit et al. (2003). The scapular head is less expanded than in Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2008: fig. 8a). It is weakly curved in lateral view as in Corythosaurus casuarius , Lambeosaurus lambei , Lambeosaurus magnicristatus , and not as strongly down−turned as in Parasaurolophus walkeri ( Suzuki et al. 2004; Evans and Reisz 2007). The pseudoacromion process is laterally directed and located more caudally than in Sahaliyania elunchunorum and Amurosaurus riabinini . It extends dorsally along the dorsal border of the scapula as a short, but prominent deltoid ridge that extends to the level of the greatest constriction of the scapula ( Fig. 18A ). The deltoid ridge delimits a wide triangular fossa on the lateral side of the scapula, which may represent the attachment area for M. supracoracoideus ( Dilkes 2000). The coracoid suture is large and cup−shaped. On the medial side of the scapula, a strong rounded ridge extends from the coracoid suture to the level of the neck constriction. The glenoid forms a long crescentic depression, subequal in size to the coracoid suture, along the ventral part of the scapular head. It is supported by a prominent caudal buttress that faces slightly laterally. The scapular blade is long, narrow, flat, and particularly thin. It is not curved medially as in Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2008) . In lateral view, the neck constriction is long, but not very marked: the minimum constriction at the neck is about 70 percent the maximum height of the blade (53% in Lambeosaurus magnicristatus ; Evans and Reisz 2007). The ventral and dorsal borders of the scapular blade become straight and perfectly parallel caudal to the neck constriction.

Coracoid.—The coracoid closely resembles that of Amurosaurus riabinini in being particularly massive ( Fig. 18C ). The sternal process is prominent and hook−like. Its cranioventral border is rough, indicating the presence of a cartilaginous cap in life. Both the medial and lateral sides of the sternal process are ornamented by radiating ridges suggesting an extensive attachment site for a powerful M. coracobrachialis. Dorsal to the sternal process, the lateral side of the coracoid forms a prominent knob, whose dorsolaterally−facing surface served as attachment site for a strong M. biceps. Under the bicipital knob, the coracoid has a well−marked depressed area for insertion of M. triceps coracoscapularis. The elliptical coracoid foramen is located in the middle of the bone. On the dorsal part of the coracoid, the articular surface for the scapula is wide and rough, with numerous knobs and depressions. The glenoid forms a wide cup−shaped surface that faces slightly laterally. The articular surface for the scapula and the glenoid form together an angle of about 120 °.

Sternal.—Both sternals were discovered fused together in the holotype ( Fig. 18D ). As is usual in Styracosterna, they are typically hatchet−shaped and, as is usual in lambeosaurines, the proximal plate is widened. But, contrary to Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 13b) and Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2008: fig. 8b), the proximal plate remains shorter than the caudolateral process. Both the proximal and distal borders of the sternal are roughened, indicating the presence of extensive cartilaginous caps. The ventral side of the proximal plate is slightly convex mediolaterally, whereas its dorsal side is slightly concave. The lat−

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eral border of the proximal plate is particularly thin and convex, whereas its proximomedial corner is thickened. The ventral surface of the proximal plate has well marked longitudinal striations around the proximal border of the bone. The caudolateral process of the sternal is straight and massive. Its ventral side is convex mediolaterally, whereas its dorsal side is flat. Its distal end is slightly enlarged. It is not curved dorsally as in Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 13b) and Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2008: fig. 8b). Both sides of the caudolateral process have well−marked longitudinal striations.

Humerus.—Only the left humerus is preserved in the holotype. As is usual in lambeosaurines, this bone is particularly massive and the deltopectoral crest is enlarged, extending well below the midpoint of the bone ( Fig. 19A ). Godefroit et al. (2008: fig. 9) showed that the width of the deltopectoral crest is isometrical to the length of the humerus in lambeosaurines and that the development of the deltopectoral crest in the holotype of Olorotitan arharensis fits the general pattern. The lateral border of the deltopectoral crest is regularly convex and only slightly turned cranially ( Fig. 19A 3 ). Distal to the midshaft, the deltopectoral crest forms a sharp angle to shaft. The proximal articular head forms a rounded buttress on the caudal side of the humerus and is supported by a well−developed rounded crest that extends halfway down the deltopectoral crest ( Fig. 19A 2 ), as also in Charonosaurus jiayinenesis ( Godefroit et al. 2001) . Lateral to the humeral head, a depressed area marks the insertion of M. triceps humeralis posticus, as observed in other lambeosaurines ( Godefroit et al. 2001, 2004b). Medial to the humeral head, a less markedly depressed area indicates the insertion of M. scapulo−humeralis. Both the inner and outer tuberosities are poorly developed on the proximal part of the humerus. On the cranial side of the bone, the bicipital gutter is less developed than in Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Godefroit et al. 2001) . The distal portion of the humerus is slightly twisted outwards. The ulnar (medial) condyle is better developed than the radial (lateral) condyle and the olecranon fossa forms a triangular depressed area on the caudal side of the distal humerus ( Fig. 19A 2 ).

Ulna.—Although the right ulna and radius described herein were not found in connection with the humerus (the right humerus is missing), but close to the head of the animal, it is assumed that they belong to the holotype, because of the corresponding size and state of preservation. The ulna is about 5% longer than the humerus. It is proportionally much less elongated and slender than in Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Godefroit et al. 2001: pl.6:1). The bone is nearly straight both in cranial and lateral views ( Fig. 19B ), whereas it is distinctly sigmoidal in Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 14b). The olecranon process is only poorly developed. The lateral proximal process is virtually absent, but the triangular medial proximal process is high and directed mainly medially and slightly dorsally. Proximally, the cranial surface of the ulna forms a shallow and wide depression against which the proximal part of the radius articulated; longitudinal striations indicate strong ligamentous attachment with the radius. Under this area, the body of the ulna is craniohumeral head caudally high. It remains triangular in cross section along its whole length. The ulna progressively tapers distally, and the distal end is rounded and laterally compressed. The large triangular articular surface for the distal end of the radius faces craniomedially; it also has strong longitudinal striations, indicating strong ligamentous attachment with the distal part of the radius.

Radius.—Like the ulna, the radius is much less elongated than in Charonosaurus jiayinensis . It is also nearly perfectly straight ( Fig. 19C ). The proximal part of the radius is moderately expanded and, as is usual in hadrosaurids, resembles the top of a Doric column in cranial view. Its cranial side is slightly convex, whereas its caudal side is flattened where it articulated with the proximal part of the ulna. At some distance from the proximal end, the caudal side of the radius forms a strong keel−like prominence ( Fig. 19C 1) that fits into the U−shaped depression on the cranial side of the ulna. Longitudinal striations indicate strong ligamentous attachment of the proximal head of the radius with the ulna. The distal end of the radius is also moderately expanded. Its flattened caudolateral side forms a wide, strongly striated, triangular surface, which fitted against the distal part of the ulna. A strong lateral ridge limits this surface.

Pelvic girdle and hindlimb

Ilium.—Both ilia are incompletely preserved in the holotype ( Fig. 16A ) and referred specimen AEHM 2/846 ( Fig. 15B ). The ilium closely resembles that of lambeosaurines usually attributed to the Corythosaurus lineage by Brett−Surman (1989), and including Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 15b) and Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2008: fig. 10a). The preacetabular process forms a long and tapering projection from the craniodorsal edge of the iliac blade. It is moderately deflected ventrally (angle of ventral deflection = 154 °, see Prieto−Márquez 2010a; character 232) and proportionally very long, as in Charonosaurus jiayinensis and Sahaliyania elunchunorum : the ratio “ilium length/preacetabular length” is 2.06 in Olorotitan arharensis (referred specimen AEHM 2/846) and around 2.1 in Charonosaurus jiayinensis and Sahaliyania elunchunorum ( Godefroit et al. 2001, 2008). Therefore, the great elongation of the preacetabular process can no longer be regarded as an autapomorphy of Charonosaurus jiayinensis (contra Godefroit et al. 2000, 2001). The proximal region of the preacetabular process is particularly deep: the ratio between this and the dorsoventral distance between the pubic peduncle and the dorsal margin of the ilium ( Prieto−Márquez 2010a; character 233) is 0.66 in AEHM 2/846. The lateral side of the preacetabular process is perfectly flat. Its dorsal edge is thickened and rounded, whereas its ventral edge is sharper. The central blade of the ilium is nearly as high as long. The short supra−acetabular process is much less developed than in Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Godefroit et al. 2001: fig. 17), extending lateroventrally less than half the dorsoventral depth of the ilium. Its ventrolateral margin is widely arched, with a slightly caudally skewed profile in lateral view. The pubic peduncle is much shorter than in Parasaurolophus walkeri ( Parks 1922: pl.6). The iliac portion of the acetabulum is shallow. The ischial peduncle is craniocaudally elongated. Its articular surface faces caudoventrally and is formed by two sub−rectangular protrusions of similar size separated by a well−marked depression; the caudalmost one is located slightly dorsally ( Fig. 16B ). A brevis shelf−like structure, at the base of the postacetabular process, is present in the holotype AEHM 2/845 (but apparently absent in the referred specimen AEHM 2/846). Prieto−Márquez (2010a; character 244) also observed such a structure in Secernosaurus koerni , Hypacrosaurus altispinus , and Velafrons coahuilensis . The postacetabular process appears slightly shorter than the central plate and subrectangular in lateral view, with nearly

http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.2011.0051 femoral head femoral head

greater femoral lesser greater fourth trochanter intercondylar ‘‘tunnel’’ medial condyle intercondylar groove lateral condyle parallel dorsal and ventral borders. In the holotype AEHM 2 / 845, the dorsal margin of the postacetabular process is nearly parallel with the acetabular margin; it is more caudodorsally oriented in AEHM 2 /846.

Ischium.—Although it is incompletely preserved, the left ischium of the holotype is typical for lambeosaurines: the ischial shaft is long and very robust, gently sigmoidal in lateral view ( Fig. 16C ). The distal expansion is less prominent than in Hypacrosaurus altispinus and Parasaurolophus cyrtocristatus . Between its thicker dorsal and its thinner ventral margins, the medial side of the ischial shaft forms a deep sulcus with strong longitudinal striations. The medial side of the ischial foot is also strongly striated, indicating important ligamental attachment between paired ischia. The proximal region of the ischium is well expanded. The iliac peduncle projects craniodorsally as a large foot−like process. Its dorsal articular surface is expanded both mediolaterally and dorsoventrally and is elliptical in cross section. The pubic peduncle is more slender and less differentiated than the iliac peduncle. It is craniocaudally elongated and very compressed mediolaterally. The articular facet for the pubis is subrectangular in cross section and rugose.

Femur.—The left femur is preserved in the holotype. In comparison with other lambeosaurines, it appears relatively slen− der. In caudal view, it is not perfectly straight, but slightly bowed medially ( Fig. 20C ), but this could have arisen from post−mortem deformation. The femoral head is robust, but not particularly prominent, and set at an angle to the shaft ( Fig. 20A, C ). It is better developed craniocaudally than proximodistally ( Fig 20B ). On the cranial side of the proximal femur, a strong rounded ridge supports the femoral head ( Fig. 20A ). The lesser trochanter is also prominently developed at the craniolateral angle of the proximal femur. It is closely appressed to the greater trochanter, being separated by a deep cleft ( Fig. 20D ). An extensive flattened and striated area on the lateral side of the lesser trochanter probably marks the insertion area of a powerful M. ilio−femoralis (see Norman 1986; Dilkes 2000). Between the lesser trochanter and the cranial crest from the femoral head, the cranial side of the proximal femur forms a deep U−shaped sulcus that might have served as attachment area for a powerful M. pubo−ischio−femoralis internus 2 ( Fig. 20A ; see discussion in Norman 1986). The greater trochanter is more extended craniocaudally than the femoral head ( Fig. 20D ), but its apex lies a little lower than that of the latter ( Fig. 20C ). The lateral side of the greater trochanter is depressed and scarred by a large triangular insertion area for M. ilio−trochantericus 1. The greater trochanter extends as a prominent rounded crest along the caudolateral side of the femur ( Fig. 20C ). The fourth trochanter forms a prominent, thin, and triangular process along the caudomedial side of the femur. Its apex lies exactly at mid−height of the bone. Its entire medial side is deeply excavated by a large insertion area for a powerful M. caudi−femoralis longus ( Fig. 20B ). The sulcus between the lateral side of the fourth trochanter and the distal part of the caudal crest of the greater trochanter can be interpreted as the insertion area for M. caudi−femoralis brevis ( Fig. 20C ). The distal condyles are expanded craniocaudally, with regularly convex articular surfaces. The medial condyle is larger than the lateral condyle. The distal condyles are more prominent caudally than cranially ( Fig. 20B, D ). Cranially, the condyles are fused together to form an intercondylar “tunnel” that surrounded and protected the distal tendon of M. ilio−tibialis above the knee ( Fig. 20A ). Caudally, the distal condyles are separated from each other by a wide and deep flexor intercondylar groove ( Fig. 20C ). The lateral surface of the lateral condyle has a prominent vertical ridge separating the flattened caudal “heel” region from the more cranial lateral surface of the condyle ( Fig. 20D ). The whole marginal surface of the distal condyles is rough, with strong vertical striations, indicating the presence of an extensive cartilaginous cap in life.

Tibia.—The left tibia, fibula, astragalus and calcaneum are preserved in the holotype, and the four elements are fused distally, indicating that it was an old individual. The tibia is exactly the same length as the femur and, compared with other hadrosaurids, it also appears relatively slender. The cnemial crest is remarkably shorter than in other hadrosaurids, occupying only about the proximal fifth of the tibia ( Fig. 21B ). It is oriented quite laterally, forming a 90 ° angle with the tibial shaft. The medial side of the proximal head of the tibia is regularly convex. Its caudal corner forms a large internal condyle separated by a deep, but narrow groove from the smaller lateral condyle. Below the cnemial crest, the tibial shaft is long, straight, and ovoid in cross−section. Proximally, its long axis is oriented craniocaudally, but it progressively becomes oriented mediolaterally toward its distal end ( Fig. 21A ). The tibial shaft has a prominent lateral ridge that extends distally to form the lateral corner of the external malleolus. The distal end of the tibia is mediolaterally enlarged. The external malleolus is prominent distally. The distal fibula covers its cranial side. Its craniodistal surface articulates both with the calcaneum and the astragalus. The internal malleolus is particularly prominent medially and its distal surface articulates with the astragalus ( Fig. 21A ).

Fibula.—The fibula is slender. Its proximal end is transversely compressed and moderately widened craniocaudally, but it does not really form a cranial peg as usually observed in lambeosaurines such as Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Godefroit et al. 2001: fig. 21), and Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 16). The diameter of the fibula decreases progressively distally and the minimal craniocaudal constriction of the shaft is well below its midpoint ( Fig. 21A ). Distally, the shaft twists laterally such that the distal third of the fibula lies against the craniolateral surface of the tibia. The distal end of the fibula expands cranially into a rounded, club−shaped condyle ( Fig. 21A ). The size of this distal expansion is comparable with that of Corythosaurus casuarius (ROM 845), Lambeosaurus lambei (ROM 1218) , Lambeosaurus magnicristatus (Evans and Reisz 2007) , and Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 16), but it is less robust than in Parasaurolophus cyrtocristatus and Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Godefroit et al. 2001) . The flattened distal surface of the fibula fits against the dorsal surface of the calcaneum, whereas the medial part of the distal expansion lies against the dorsal surface of the astragalus, lateral to the cranial ascending process ( Fig. 21A ).

Astragalus.—The astragalus is closely appressed to the distal articular surface of the tibia. Laterally, it contacts the calcaneum and its dorsolateral surface fits against the distal expansion of the fibula ( Fig. 21A ). In ventral view, it appears more elongated mediolaterally and more compressed craniocaudally than in Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 17a). The triangular caudal ascending process is mediolaterally elongated but low and accommodates against the caudodistal side of the tibia. It is set medially, but unlike in Charonosaurius jiayinensis , does not form the craniomedial angle of the astragalus ( Godefroit et al. 2001: fig. 22). The cranial ascending process is higher and set on the craniolateral corner ( Fig. 21A ). In cranial view, the astragalus is sub−triangular and distinctly skewed laterally, as normal in

http://dx.doi.org/10.4202/app.2011.0051

North American hadrosaurids ( Brett−Surman 1989). It is more symmetrical in Amurosaurus riabinini ( Godefroit et al. 2004b: fig. 17a) and nearly equilateral in Parasaurolophus cyrtocristatus ( Brett−Surman 1989) and Charonosaurus jiayinensis ( Godefroit et al. 2001: fig. 22). As is usual in lambeosaurines, the cranial side of the cranial ascending process is strongly depressed. The roughened ventral side of the astragalus is regularly convex craniocaudally and concave mediolaterally.

Calcaneum.—The calcaneum is small and much more elongated craniocaudally than mediolaterally ( Fig. 21A ). It is confined between the craniolateral side of the distal tibia, the ventral surface of the distal expansion of the fibula and the lateral side of the astragalus. Its ventral side is roughened and regularly rounded. Its lateral side is subtriangular in shape and shallowly depressed; its dorsal border, which articulates with the distal fibula, is longer than its caudal border that articulates with the tibia.

Figures

Fig. 2. Holotype (AEHM 2/845) of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003, from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), as discovered in the field (N49°04’57.5”, E130°51’34.1”). Abbreviations: L, left; N, North; R, right.

Fig. 3. Reconstruction of the skull of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003, from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in right lateral view.

Fig. 5. Photographs of the braincase of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in right lateral (A), left lateral (B), and dorsal (C) views. D. Details of the right lateral view of the braincase.

Fig. 6. Right maxilla of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in lateral (A) and medial (B) views. Photographs (A1, B1), explanatory drawings (A2, B2).

Fig. 7. Right jugal of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in lateral (A) and medial (B) views.

Fig. 8. Hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia).A. Right premaxilla and rostral portion of right nasal, in lateral view. Photograph (A1), explanatory drawing (A2). B. Caudoventral portion of right nasal, in lateral view.

Fig. 9. Predentary of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views. Photographs (A1, B1), explanatory drawings (A2, B2).

Fig. 10. Left dentary of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in medial (A), lateral (B), and dorsal (C) views. Photographs (A1, B1), explanatory drawings (A2, B2, C).

Fig. 11. Right dentary teeth of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in lingual views. A. From the middle part of the dental battery. B. From the caudal part of the dental battery.

Fig. 12. Hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia). A. Left proatlas, in dorsal (A1) and ventral (A2) views. B. Atlas, in cranial (B1) and dorsal (B2) views.

Fig. 13. Axis complex and cervical vertebrae 3–4 of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in right lateral (A) and dorsal (B) views. Abbreviatons: ax, axis; cv, cervical vertebra.

Fig. 14. Cervical vertebrae of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia). A. Cervical vertebrae 9–10, in right lateral (A1) and dorsal (A2) views. B. Cervical vertebrae 17–18, in left lateral (B1) and dorsal (B2) views. Abbreviation: cv, cervical vertebra.

Fig. 15. Hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia). A. Cranial dorsal vertebra, in cranial (A1) and right lateral (A2) views. B. Caudal dorsal vertebra, in cranial (B1) and left lateral (B2) views. C. Reconstruction of the articulated dorsal series, sacrum, and right pelvic girdle in right lateral view.

Fig. 16. Hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003, from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia). A. Sacral block and left ilium of AEHM 2/845 (holotype), in lateral view. B. Sacrum, caudal part of the dorsal vertebrae and right ilium of AEHM 2/846, in lateral view. C. Left ischium of AEHM 2/845 (holotype), in medial view.

Fig. 17. Caudal vertebrae of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia). A. Caudal vertebrae 2–6, in left lateral view. B. Caudal vertebrae 18–23, in left lateral view. C. Caudal vertebra 12, in cranial view. D. Supplementary articulation (indicated by an arrow) between the neural arches of caudal vertebrae 20–21. E. Caudal vertebrae 66–70, in left lateral view. Abbreviation: cd, caudal vertebra.

Fig. 18. Hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/495, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia). A. Right scapula, in lateral view. B. Left scapula, in medial view. C. Right coracoid, in lateral view. D. Sternals, in ventral view.

Fig. 19. Hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia). A. Left humerus, in cranial (A1), caudal (A2), and lateral (A3) views. B. Right ulna, in cranial (B1) and medial (B2) views. C. Right radius, in caudal (C1) and cranial (C2) views.

Fig. 20. Left femur of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in cranial (A), medial (B), caudal (C), and lateral (D) views.

Fig. 21. Left tibia, fibula, astragalus, and calcaneum of hadrosaurid dinosaur Olorotitan arharensis Godefroit, Bolotsky, and Alifanov, 2003 (AEHM 2/845, holotype), from the Upper Cretaceous of Kundur (Russia), in cranial (A) and medial (B) views.