A problematic early tetrapod from the Mississippian of Nevada
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
We report here the discovery of a new taxon of Paleozoic tetrapod from the Late Mississippian of Nevada (330–340 Ma). It has a unique vertebral column with principal centra having vertical anterior and posterior faces, ventrally incomplete accessory centra located antero-dorsally in each centrum, and enlarged presacral/sacral vertebrae. The head and pectoral girdle were not preserved but the large femur, robust pelvic girdle and enlarged sacral vertebrae possibly indicate a terrestrial mode of life. This new form significantly extends the western geographic range of known Mississippian tetrapods. It presents a mosaic of primitive and derived features, indicating that continued revision of traditional accounts of vertebral homology and the early diversifications of Paleozoic tetrapods will be necessary.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | A problematic early tetrapod from the Mississippian of Nevada |
| Series title | Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology |
| DOI | 10.1080/02724634.1998.10011059 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Year Published | 1998 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
| Description | 6 p. |
| First page | 315 |
| Last page | 320 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |