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Branchiosaurids
Branchiosauridae is an extinct family of small amphibamiform temnospondyls with external gills and an overall juvenile appearance. The family has been characterized by hundreds of well-preserved specimens from the Permo-Carboniferous of Middle Europe.Schoch, R.R. 2008. The intrarelationships and evolutionary history of the temnospondyl family branchiosauridae. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 6(4):409-431. Specimens represent well defined ontogenetic stages and thus the taxon has been described to display paedomorphy (perennibranchiate). However, more recent work has revealed branchiosaurid taxa that display metamorphosing trajectories.Schoch, R.R. and Frobisch, N.B. 2006. Alternative Pathways in an Extinct Amphibian Clade. Evolution. 60(7):1467-1475 The name Branchiosauridae (“Branchio” in Ancient Greek denoting gills and “saurus” meaning lizard) refers to the retention of gills. Geological/paleoenvironmental information Branchiosaurids mostly inhabited Permo-Carbo ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Branchiosaurus Salamandroides
''Branchiosaurus'' (from , 'gill' and , 'lizard') is a genus of small, prehistoric amphibians. Fossils have been discovered in strata dating from the late Pennsylvanian (geology), Pennsylvanian Epoch to the Permian Period. The taxa may be invalid; the material referred to the genus may be juvenile specimens of larger amphibians. This tiny amphibian was very similar to the Rachitomi, differing primarily in size. Other distinguishing characteristics include a cartilaginous, less bone, ossified skeleton and a shorter skull. Clear traces of gills are present in many fossilized samples, hence the name. Originally thought to have vertebrae distinct from rhachitomous vertebrae, it was placed in a separate Scientific classification, order named Phyllospondyli ("leaf vertebrae"). Later analysis of growth stages showed increasing ossification in larger specimens, which showed that at least some of the species was the larval stage of much larger rachitomes like ''Eryops'', while others ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
