Ovoo gurvel
Taxonavigation
[edit]| Taxonavigation: Paleoanguimorpha |
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Superregnum: Eukaryota |
Superfamilia: Varanoidea
Familia: Varanidae
Genus: †Ovoo
Species:
O. gurvel
Name
[edit]Ovoo gurvel Norell, Gao & Conrad, 2008
- Holotype: IGM 3/767, well-preserved partial skull with the braincase and mandibles missing.
- Type locality: Little Ukhaa Tolgod Nemegt Basin, Mongolian Gobi Desert; Upper Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation (Loope et al., 1998).
- Etymology: Ovoo- is from Mongolian ovoo (pronunciation: o-boe), meaning ‘‘a heap or cairn’’ (fig. 3). A remnant of the pre-Buddhist religion of Mongolia, these cairns are said to be inhabited by local spirits. Occasionally they are also way points and navigational aids along old caravan routes and, more recently, roads. Ovoos are venerated by Mongols and are worshipped by circling them clockwise three times and adding offerings in the form of rocks, prayer-flags, money and even vodka bottles. Gurvel- derives from the Mongolian word for lizard.
References
[edit]- Mark A. Norell, Ke-Qin Gao & Jack Conrad, 2008: A New Platynotan Lizard (Diapsida: Squamata) from the Late Cretaceous Gobi Desert (Ömnögov), Mongolia. American Museum novitates, 3605: 1–22, 7 figures. PDF.