Keichousaurus hui - "Mother and child"
Keichousaurus hui was a semi-aquatic reptile from Triassic China. They are believed to have lived in a marshy environment. Due to a robust ulna, it is believed that they were able to make their way onto land. They are considered members of the Pachypleurosauridae, which also included its contemporary the Nothosauridae. The genus name, Keichousaurus, is derived from the location where it was first found in 1957, Keichou Province. Specimens are most commonly found in the ventral position, stomach uppermost, with the skull displayed from beneath. The most desired specimens are the dorsal presentations, which exhibit the skull cranial elements including its large orbits. What makes this specimen unique is the presence of both an adult and an infant. I have never seen another specimen which contained an infant. Also, you will note that the adult shows signs of predation. The ribs are out of place. The limbs at the shoulder and pelvic girdles have been dislocated. The neck was probably broken (since you usually don't see the top of the skull in a ventral view of the skeleton). The Keichousaur managed to get away, but died any way. The infant hung around, but died of starvation. This is conjecture, of course. Since I wasn't there, I can only guess. Dimensions: 9-5/8" x 7" x 15/16"