Marine reptiles from the Late Cretaceous Phosphates of Jordan: palaeobiogeographical implications

Marine reptiles, including mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, turtles and crocodilians, from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) Phosphates of Ruseifa, Jordan, are reviewed on the basis of both historical collections and new discoveries. Mosasaurids are represented by mosasaurines (Globidens sp.), plioplate-carpines (Platecarpus ptychodon Arambourg, 1952, Prognathodon giganteus Dollo, 1904) and the basal Halisaurus Marsh, 1869. Indeterminate remains of elasmosaurid plesiosaurs, chelonioid turtles and crocodyliformes also occur. The marine reptile faunas from Jordan are reminiscent of those from the Late Cretaceous Phosphates of the Middle-East and of the southern margin of the Mediterranean Tethys in general.