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Fabiana Costa

Universidade Federal do ABC, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Adjunct

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Bachelor of Biological Sciences from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (2007), bachelor of Letters/Translation from Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (2003), bachelor of Letters from Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Sete Lagoas (1998), master of Biological Sciences /Zoology from Museu Nacional / UFRJ (2010) and PhD in Biological Sciences/Zoology from Museu Nacional / UFRJ (2014), acting on the following subjects: Vertebrate Paleontology, Taxonomy and Systematics and Animal Behavior (Xenarthra).
Supervisors: Alexander Kellner
Phone: (11) 2320-6305
Address: Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC) - Campus São Bernardo do Campo
Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH)
Laboratório de Evolução e Diversidade III - Bloco Delta
Laboratório de Paleontologia de Vertebrados e Comportamento Animal - LAPC
Rua São Paulo, s/n, Jardim Antares, São Bernardo do Campo/ SP, CEP 09606-070
Gabinete de trabalho: Bloco Delta / Sala 282

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Papers by Fabiana Costa

A taxonomic approach on diagnostic characters used to define new pterosaur taxa and an estimation of pterosaur diversity

Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias, 2021

A new genus of fossil frog (Anura) from lower Cretaceous deposits in South America

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências

Acoustic analysis of vocalization and the behavioral response associated to sound production of the nine banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus (Mammalia, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) in an agonistic context

Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia, 2022

Although communication capabilities are displayed by many vertebrate groups, some repertoires are... more Although communication capabilities are displayed by many vertebrate groups, some repertoires are poorly known, such as the case of xenarthrans, particularly armadillos, for which vocalization as a source of communicating to others remains poorly understood and relies on punctual reports of sounds. Here we provide the first description of a behavioral response associated with sound emission of two subjects of Dasypus novemcinctus. Both audio and visual registration was performed to subsequent analyses of expressed behaviors and emitted calls, which accounted for 76 vocalizations from a total of eight video recordings randomly collected from 2017 to 2019. Sound is acoustically characterized by both inhale and exhale phases composed of two vocal units, and no harmonic structure was observed. Once the subjects have always produced these vocalizations while cornered and exhibiting defensive behavior against another subject/human disturbance, these vocalizations were termed as distress. ...

A taxonomic approach on diagnostic characters used to define new pterosaur taxa and an estimation of pterosaur diversity

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 2021

Osteology of an exceptionally well-preserved tapejarid skeleton from Brazil: Revealing the anatomy of a curious pterodactyloid clade

PLOS ONE, 2021

A remarkably well-preserved, almost complete and articulated new specimen (GP/2E 9266) ofTupandac... more A remarkably well-preserved, almost complete and articulated new specimen (GP/2E 9266) ofTupandactylus navigansis here described for the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil. The new specimen comprises an almost complete skeleton, preserving both the skull and post-cranium, associated with remarkable preservation of soft tissues, which makes it the most complete tapejarid known thus far. CT-Scanning was performed to allow the assessment of bones still covered by sediment. The specimen can be assigned toTupa.navigansdue to its vertical supra-premaxillary bony process and short and rounded parietal crest. It also bears the largest dentary crest among tapejarine pterosaurs and a notarium, which is absent in other representatives of the clade. The new specimen is here regarded as an adult individual. This is the first time that postcranial remains ofTupa.navigansare described, being also an unprecedented record of an articulated tapejarid skeleton from the Araripe Basin.

Atividade de extensão educacional e divulgação da Paleontologia pela Faculdade de Formação de Professores

Terrae Didatica, 2021

O primeiro trabalho de campo de Paleontologia realizado pela Faculdade de Formação de Professores... more O primeiro trabalho de campo de Paleontologia realizado pela Faculdade de Formação de Professores da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FFP/UERJ) no oeste de São Paulo envolveu múltiplas instituições públicas. Além dos trabalhos de prospecção, foram realizadas duas atividades de extensão (AE) com as populações locais de Presidente Prudente e Alfredo Marcondes (SP). Relatamos aqui diferenças nas AE das duas cidades, com graus distintos de demografia e desenvolvimento urbano. Ambas AE finalizaram com a exposição de fósseis coletados nos próprios trabalhos de campo. Como resultado principal dos eventos, constatou-se maior esclarecimento e conscientização sobre fósseis e riquezas geológicas da região, além da produção de materiais de Divulgação Científica veiculados em ampla rede midiática dos municípios. Tais abordagens assumem papel de destaque, não apenas na divulgação de Ciência e Tecnologia (C&T), mas formando a identidade sociocultural da comunidade, buscando atender às sua...

New Information on the osteology and a taxonomic revision of The genus<i>Thalassodromeus</i>(Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae, Thalassodrominae)

Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Mar 4, 2018

On the courtship, breeding behaviour and vocalisation of Rhinella ornata (Spix, 1824) (Anura, Bufonidae): a well-marked escalated behaviour in a lek-like system

Acta Ethologica, Mar 30, 2020

Redescription of the first pterosaur remains from Japan: the largest flying reptile from Asia

Historical Biology, Oct 1, 2015

Pterosaur remains are found in numerous deposits of the world, but most are isolated and fragment... more Pterosaur remains are found in numerous deposits of the world, but most are isolated and fragmentary elements. This is the case of Japan where a small number of specimens from those volant reptiles have been reported. Here, we redescribe the first pterosaur remains from Japan (NSM PV15005) that were found in outcrops of the Upper Cretaceous Yezo Group (Santonian–lower Campanian) in the Mikasa area of Hokkaido. Further preparation of this material revealed several pterosaur bones, including the distal end of a left femur, a non-ungual phalanx and a proximal caudal vertebra. Based on the double-condyle articulation of the caudal element and the main features of the femur, this specimen is referred to a pteranodontid-like pterosaur. Its wingspan is estimated to be around 6.8 m, making it the largest pterosaur recorded not only from Japan, but also from Asia so far, indicating that large flying reptiles were widespread worldwide during the Upper Cretaceous.

Redescription of the tadpole of rare Giant Torrent Frog Megaelosia boticariana Giaretta &amp; Aguiar, 1998 (Anura, Hylodidae) with comments on natural history

Zootaxa, Dec 18, 2020

The Hylodidae genus Megaelosia Miranda-Ribeiro comprises seven frog species that inhabit the Atla... more The Hylodidae genus Megaelosia Miranda-Ribeiro comprises seven frog species that inhabit the Atlantic Rainforest in Southeastern Brazil (Da Silva et al. 2018). Larvae and adults of Hylodidae are commonly associated with lotic streams (Giaretta et al. 1993; Silva-Soares et al. 2015). Tadpoles of all Megaelosia species but Megaelosia bocainensis Giaretta, Bokemann &amp; Haddad are formally described, even though many of these descriptions are restricted to few lines and several anatomical details were overlooked (e.g., Megaelosia lutzae; Izecksohn &amp; Gouvêa 1985). The tadpole of M. boticariana was briefly described by Giaretta &amp; Aguiar (1998) based on a single larva with no measurements or figures. Currently, M. boticariana is only known from its type locality and São Francisco Xavier, both in São Paulo state portion of the Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil (Muscat et al. 2020). The lack of information, coupled with the rarity of the species, reinforces the importance of taxonomic and natural history data to subside works on other fields. In this context, we present a complete redescription of the external anatomy of the tadpoles of M. boticariana and comment on their natural history.

New Itasuchidae (Sebecia, Ziphosuchia) remains and the radiation of an elusive Mesoeucrocodylia clade

Historical Biology

The first record of a spinosaurid pedal ungual from Brazil (Boca do Forno Ravine, Itapecuru Formation, Parnaíba Basin)

Historical Biology, 2021

The Campanian–Maastrichtian interval at The Naze, James Ross Island, Antarctica: microbiostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental study

Cretaceous Research, 2021

Abstract A biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental characterization of the Campanian–Maastrichtia... more Abstract A biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental characterization of the Campanian–Maastrichtian deposits on The Naze (James Ross Island, Antarctica) based on the foraminiferal assemblages, lithofacies analysis, and Hg/total organic carbon (TOC) data was developed. The sedimentary deposits mapped in The Naze region showed an association of four sedimentary lithofacies, including greenish-gray claystone, shales with levels of concretion, bioturbated marl, and sandstone. The sedimentary deposits have been covered by a fifth lithofacies, the James Ross Island Volcanic Group (JRIVG), which consists of pyroclastic rocks interbedded with basalt bodies. The association of agglutinated foraminifera was found to consist mainly of Rzehakina epigona, Trochammina ribstonensis, Gaudryina healyi, Karreriella aegra, Dorothia elongata, Alveolophragmium macellarii, Cyclammina complanata and Spiroplectammina spectabilis, that allow to infer a Campanian–early Maastrichtian age to the studied interval. An association of opportunistic agglutinated foraminifera predominated in this stressful environment. The absence of Hg-TOC unassociated excursions ruled out distal volcanism as a source of environmental stress, while Hg/TOC ratio variability suggested that regional oceanic processes were the major environmental change driver.

Pterodactyloid pterosaur bones from Cretaceous deposits of the Antarctic Peninsula

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 2019

New Information on the osteology and a taxonomic revision of The genus Thalassodromeus (Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae, Thalassodrominae) (project)

MorphoBank datasets, 2019

Short note on an anurognathid pterosaur with a long tail from the Upper Jurassic of China

Historical Biology, 2014

Myological reconstruction of the pelvic girdle of Anhanguera piscator (Pterosauria: Pterodactyloidea) using three-dimensional virtual animation

REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PALEONTOLOGIA, 2014

“Hide and seek”: diurnal refuge and camouflage of two

New pterosaur material from the Upper Jurassic of Tendaguru (Tanzania), Africa

Historical Biology, 2014

ABSTRACT The pterosaur fossil record from Africa is exceedingly scarce and one of the least known... more ABSTRACT The pterosaur fossil record from Africa is exceedingly scarce and one of the least known for any continental land mass. The specimens here described are housed at the Naturkundemuseum of the Humboldt University and consist of two cervical vertebrae, a coracoid and a wing metacarpal recovered from the Upper Jurassic Tendaguru Formation, Tanzania. Due to the general morphology and the absence of a lateral pneumatic foramen in both vertebrae, as well as the presence of a longitudinal depression, not previously reported in pterosaurs, we consider these specimens as representatives of a new species of Azhdarchidae. Moreover, because the coracoid, which bears three well-developed pneumatic foramina, has a well-excavated depression that is medially positioned at the posterior face of the acrocoracoid process, we regard this as a new basal pterodactyloid species. The wing metacarpal is greatly elongated and clearly belongs to Pterodactyloidea. Its elongation and slender aspect, as well as the sub-triangular shape of its proximal articular end, likely place it within the Tapejaroidea. The material here described shows the potential of these deposits to provide more informative pterosaur material and provisionally extends the oldest record of azhdarchids to the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian of Africa.

A biomechanical approach on the optimal stance ofAnhanguera piscator(Pterodactyloidea) and its implications for pterosaur gait on land

Historical Biology, 2013

ABSTRACT The stance of pterosaurs on land is traditionally a controversial question. Here, we sho... more ABSTRACT The stance of pterosaurs on land is traditionally a controversial question. Here, we show that pterosaurs like Anhanguera piscator were quadrupeds. An osteological model of A. piscator was three-dimensionally built in digital space. The reconstructed muscles of its pelvic girdle were then placed on their points of origin and insertion to allow the biomechanical calculations to ﬁnd the most efﬁcient stance on land to be performed. The hindlimb readjustment (i.e. the repositioning of the hindlimb according to the achieved results) led to a pelvic counterclockwise displacement at 108, which means that the ilium previously placed at 08 regarding an axis parallel to the ground was moved (and so the whole pelvis) 108 up from the preacetabular process. This new position prevents A. piscatorfrom having a fully upright stance. A 108 displacement of the pelvic girdle would compel the forelimbs to be highly sprawled. Therefore, this study affordsA. piscatorhaving a quadrupedal gait and demonstrates that a bipedal stance is not viable once the lever arm values decrease abruptly both for extensor and ﬂexor muscles during the femoral extension. This is the ﬁrst time this approach is used to shed light on this question.

A taxonomic approach on diagnostic characters used to define new pterosaur taxa and an estimation of pterosaur diversity

Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias, 2021

A new genus of fossil frog (Anura) from lower Cretaceous deposits in South America

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências

Acoustic analysis of vocalization and the behavioral response associated to sound production of the nine banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus (Mammalia, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) in an agonistic context

Papéis Avulsos de Zoologia, 2022

Although communication capabilities are displayed by many vertebrate groups, some repertoires are... more Although communication capabilities are displayed by many vertebrate groups, some repertoires are poorly known, such as the case of xenarthrans, particularly armadillos, for which vocalization as a source of communicating to others remains poorly understood and relies on punctual reports of sounds. Here we provide the first description of a behavioral response associated with sound emission of two subjects of Dasypus novemcinctus. Both audio and visual registration was performed to subsequent analyses of expressed behaviors and emitted calls, which accounted for 76 vocalizations from a total of eight video recordings randomly collected from 2017 to 2019. Sound is acoustically characterized by both inhale and exhale phases composed of two vocal units, and no harmonic structure was observed. Once the subjects have always produced these vocalizations while cornered and exhibiting defensive behavior against another subject/human disturbance, these vocalizations were termed as distress. ...

A taxonomic approach on diagnostic characters used to define new pterosaur taxa and an estimation of pterosaur diversity

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 2021

Osteology of an exceptionally well-preserved tapejarid skeleton from Brazil: Revealing the anatomy of a curious pterodactyloid clade

PLOS ONE, 2021

A remarkably well-preserved, almost complete and articulated new specimen (GP/2E 9266) ofTupandac... more A remarkably well-preserved, almost complete and articulated new specimen (GP/2E 9266) ofTupandactylus navigansis here described for the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil. The new specimen comprises an almost complete skeleton, preserving both the skull and post-cranium, associated with remarkable preservation of soft tissues, which makes it the most complete tapejarid known thus far. CT-Scanning was performed to allow the assessment of bones still covered by sediment. The specimen can be assigned toTupa.navigansdue to its vertical supra-premaxillary bony process and short and rounded parietal crest. It also bears the largest dentary crest among tapejarine pterosaurs and a notarium, which is absent in other representatives of the clade. The new specimen is here regarded as an adult individual. This is the first time that postcranial remains ofTupa.navigansare described, being also an unprecedented record of an articulated tapejarid skeleton from the Araripe Basin.

Atividade de extensão educacional e divulgação da Paleontologia pela Faculdade de Formação de Professores

Terrae Didatica, 2021

O primeiro trabalho de campo de Paleontologia realizado pela Faculdade de Formação de Professores... more O primeiro trabalho de campo de Paleontologia realizado pela Faculdade de Formação de Professores da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FFP/UERJ) no oeste de São Paulo envolveu múltiplas instituições públicas. Além dos trabalhos de prospecção, foram realizadas duas atividades de extensão (AE) com as populações locais de Presidente Prudente e Alfredo Marcondes (SP). Relatamos aqui diferenças nas AE das duas cidades, com graus distintos de demografia e desenvolvimento urbano. Ambas AE finalizaram com a exposição de fósseis coletados nos próprios trabalhos de campo. Como resultado principal dos eventos, constatou-se maior esclarecimento e conscientização sobre fósseis e riquezas geológicas da região, além da produção de materiais de Divulgação Científica veiculados em ampla rede midiática dos municípios. Tais abordagens assumem papel de destaque, não apenas na divulgação de Ciência e Tecnologia (C&T), mas formando a identidade sociocultural da comunidade, buscando atender às sua...

New Information on the osteology and a taxonomic revision of The genus<i>Thalassodromeus</i>(Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae, Thalassodrominae)

Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, Mar 4, 2018

On the courtship, breeding behaviour and vocalisation of Rhinella ornata (Spix, 1824) (Anura, Bufonidae): a well-marked escalated behaviour in a lek-like system

Acta Ethologica, Mar 30, 2020

Redescription of the first pterosaur remains from Japan: the largest flying reptile from Asia

Historical Biology, Oct 1, 2015

Pterosaur remains are found in numerous deposits of the world, but most are isolated and fragment... more Pterosaur remains are found in numerous deposits of the world, but most are isolated and fragmentary elements. This is the case of Japan where a small number of specimens from those volant reptiles have been reported. Here, we redescribe the first pterosaur remains from Japan (NSM PV15005) that were found in outcrops of the Upper Cretaceous Yezo Group (Santonian–lower Campanian) in the Mikasa area of Hokkaido. Further preparation of this material revealed several pterosaur bones, including the distal end of a left femur, a non-ungual phalanx and a proximal caudal vertebra. Based on the double-condyle articulation of the caudal element and the main features of the femur, this specimen is referred to a pteranodontid-like pterosaur. Its wingspan is estimated to be around 6.8 m, making it the largest pterosaur recorded not only from Japan, but also from Asia so far, indicating that large flying reptiles were widespread worldwide during the Upper Cretaceous.

Redescription of the tadpole of rare Giant Torrent Frog Megaelosia boticariana Giaretta &amp; Aguiar, 1998 (Anura, Hylodidae) with comments on natural history

Zootaxa, Dec 18, 2020

The Hylodidae genus Megaelosia Miranda-Ribeiro comprises seven frog species that inhabit the Atla... more The Hylodidae genus Megaelosia Miranda-Ribeiro comprises seven frog species that inhabit the Atlantic Rainforest in Southeastern Brazil (Da Silva et al. 2018). Larvae and adults of Hylodidae are commonly associated with lotic streams (Giaretta et al. 1993; Silva-Soares et al. 2015). Tadpoles of all Megaelosia species but Megaelosia bocainensis Giaretta, Bokemann &amp; Haddad are formally described, even though many of these descriptions are restricted to few lines and several anatomical details were overlooked (e.g., Megaelosia lutzae; Izecksohn &amp; Gouvêa 1985). The tadpole of M. boticariana was briefly described by Giaretta &amp; Aguiar (1998) based on a single larva with no measurements or figures. Currently, M. boticariana is only known from its type locality and São Francisco Xavier, both in São Paulo state portion of the Serra da Mantiqueira, Brazil (Muscat et al. 2020). The lack of information, coupled with the rarity of the species, reinforces the importance of taxonomic and natural history data to subside works on other fields. In this context, we present a complete redescription of the external anatomy of the tadpoles of M. boticariana and comment on their natural history.

New Itasuchidae (Sebecia, Ziphosuchia) remains and the radiation of an elusive Mesoeucrocodylia clade

Historical Biology

The first record of a spinosaurid pedal ungual from Brazil (Boca do Forno Ravine, Itapecuru Formation, Parnaíba Basin)

Historical Biology, 2021

The Campanian–Maastrichtian interval at The Naze, James Ross Island, Antarctica: microbiostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental study

Cretaceous Research, 2021

Abstract A biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental characterization of the Campanian–Maastrichtia... more Abstract A biostratigraphic and paleoenvironmental characterization of the Campanian–Maastrichtian deposits on The Naze (James Ross Island, Antarctica) based on the foraminiferal assemblages, lithofacies analysis, and Hg/total organic carbon (TOC) data was developed. The sedimentary deposits mapped in The Naze region showed an association of four sedimentary lithofacies, including greenish-gray claystone, shales with levels of concretion, bioturbated marl, and sandstone. The sedimentary deposits have been covered by a fifth lithofacies, the James Ross Island Volcanic Group (JRIVG), which consists of pyroclastic rocks interbedded with basalt bodies. The association of agglutinated foraminifera was found to consist mainly of Rzehakina epigona, Trochammina ribstonensis, Gaudryina healyi, Karreriella aegra, Dorothia elongata, Alveolophragmium macellarii, Cyclammina complanata and Spiroplectammina spectabilis, that allow to infer a Campanian–early Maastrichtian age to the studied interval. An association of opportunistic agglutinated foraminifera predominated in this stressful environment. The absence of Hg-TOC unassociated excursions ruled out distal volcanism as a source of environmental stress, while Hg/TOC ratio variability suggested that regional oceanic processes were the major environmental change driver.

Pterodactyloid pterosaur bones from Cretaceous deposits of the Antarctic Peninsula

Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 2019

New Information on the osteology and a taxonomic revision of The genus Thalassodromeus (Pterodactyloidea, Tapejaridae, Thalassodrominae) (project)

MorphoBank datasets, 2019

Short note on an anurognathid pterosaur with a long tail from the Upper Jurassic of China

Historical Biology, 2014

Myological reconstruction of the pelvic girdle of Anhanguera piscator (Pterosauria: Pterodactyloidea) using three-dimensional virtual animation

REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PALEONTOLOGIA, 2014

“Hide and seek”: diurnal refuge and camouflage of two

New pterosaur material from the Upper Jurassic of Tendaguru (Tanzania), Africa

Historical Biology, 2014

ABSTRACT The pterosaur fossil record from Africa is exceedingly scarce and one of the least known... more ABSTRACT The pterosaur fossil record from Africa is exceedingly scarce and one of the least known for any continental land mass. The specimens here described are housed at the Naturkundemuseum of the Humboldt University and consist of two cervical vertebrae, a coracoid and a wing metacarpal recovered from the Upper Jurassic Tendaguru Formation, Tanzania. Due to the general morphology and the absence of a lateral pneumatic foramen in both vertebrae, as well as the presence of a longitudinal depression, not previously reported in pterosaurs, we consider these specimens as representatives of a new species of Azhdarchidae. Moreover, because the coracoid, which bears three well-developed pneumatic foramina, has a well-excavated depression that is medially positioned at the posterior face of the acrocoracoid process, we regard this as a new basal pterodactyloid species. The wing metacarpal is greatly elongated and clearly belongs to Pterodactyloidea. Its elongation and slender aspect, as well as the sub-triangular shape of its proximal articular end, likely place it within the Tapejaroidea. The material here described shows the potential of these deposits to provide more informative pterosaur material and provisionally extends the oldest record of azhdarchids to the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian of Africa.

A biomechanical approach on the optimal stance ofAnhanguera piscator(Pterodactyloidea) and its implications for pterosaur gait on land

Historical Biology, 2013

ABSTRACT The stance of pterosaurs on land is traditionally a controversial question. Here, we sho... more ABSTRACT The stance of pterosaurs on land is traditionally a controversial question. Here, we show that pterosaurs like Anhanguera piscator were quadrupeds. An osteological model of A. piscator was three-dimensionally built in digital space. The reconstructed muscles of its pelvic girdle were then placed on their points of origin and insertion to allow the biomechanical calculations to ﬁnd the most efﬁcient stance on land to be performed. The hindlimb readjustment (i.e. the repositioning of the hindlimb according to the achieved results) led to a pelvic counterclockwise displacement at 108, which means that the ilium previously placed at 08 regarding an axis parallel to the ground was moved (and so the whole pelvis) 108 up from the preacetabular process. This new position prevents A. piscatorfrom having a fully upright stance. A 108 displacement of the pelvic girdle would compel the forelimbs to be highly sprawled. Therefore, this study affordsA. piscatorhaving a quadrupedal gait and demonstrates that a bipedal stance is not viable once the lever arm values decrease abruptly both for extensor and ﬂexor muscles during the femoral extension. This is the ﬁrst time this approach is used to shed light on this question.