Pronunciation: YAN-ee
Meaning: of Ianus
Author/s: Zanno et al. (2023)
Synonyms: None known
First Discovery: Utah, USA
Discovery Chart Position: #1092
Iani smithi
(Of Ianus and Smith)Etymology
Iani is named after "Ianus" (aka Janus), the two-faced Roman God of transitions, in reference to the atmospheric shift, global warming and rising sea levels that were changing the flora and fauna of western North America during the "middle" Cretaceous.
The species epithet, smithi, honours Joshua Aaron Smith for his contributions to the discovery and conservation of paleontological resources in the region, particularly during early explorations by the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS). ZooBank registry: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:11117CEF-49C9-4B26-A409-039D635A6095.
Discovery
The remains of Iani were discovered in the lower Mussentuchit Member of the Cedar Mountain Formation, Emery County, Utah, USA, during an MDP expedition in 2014.
The holotype (NCSM 29373) is a partial skeleton including a mostly complete but disarticulated skull, vertebrae from the neck, back, hip and tail with associated ribs and arches, portions of both shoulder girdles, the left pelvic girdle, and a right arm and leg.
Preparators
A. Giterman, L. Herzog, and E. Bruff.
