Branchiosauridae

Branchiosauridae is a family of extinct amphibians that lived during the Carboniferous and Permian periods. They are part of the larger group known as temnospondyls, which includes some of the earliest known amphibians.

Characteristics

Branchiosauridae were small to medium-sized amphibians, with most species measuring between 10 and 20 centimeters in length. They had a broad, flat head and a short body with a long tail. The most distinctive feature of Branchiosauridae was their external gills, similar to those of modern-day axolotls. These gills, along with their small size and aquatic lifestyle, suggest that they may have been neotenic, retaining juvenile characteristics into adulthood.

Fossil Record

Fossils of Branchiosauridae have been found in Europe and North America. The most well-preserved specimens come from the Rotliegend deposits in Germany, which have yielded complete skeletons with impressions of soft tissues. These fossils provide valuable insights into the anatomy and lifestyle of these early amphibians.

Classification

The family Branchiosauridae is divided into several genera, including Branchiosaurus, Apateon, and Schoenfelderpeton. These genera are distinguished by differences in size, skull shape, and the arrangement of the teeth and vertebrae.

Evolution and Extinction

The evolution of Branchiosauridae is closely tied to the development of terrestrial ecosystems during the Carboniferous and Permian periods. They appear to have been adapted to life in freshwater habitats, such as ponds and swamps, where they would have fed on small invertebrates. The extinction of Branchiosauridae at the end of the Permian period is likely linked to the Permian-Triassic extinction event, one of the most severe mass extinctions in Earth's history.

File:Branchiosaurus fossil.jpg

A fossil of Branchiosaurus, a member of the Branchiosauridae family.

See Also

• List of prehistoric amphibians
• Temnospondyli
• Carboniferous period
• Permian period

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