Solenodonsaurus

Name: Solenodonsaurus (Single tooth lizard).
Phonetic: So-len-oh-don-sore-us.
Named By: Broili - 1924.
Classification: Chordata, Tetrapoda, Amphibia, Labyrinthodontia, Reptiliomorpha.
Species: S. janenschi (type).
Diet: Carnivore/insectivore.
Size: Skull up to about 14 centimetres long. Total length roughly estimated up to 80 centimetres..
Known locations: Czech Republic.
Time period: Serpukovian to Kasimovian of the Carboniferous.
Fossil representation: Incomplete skeletons, but the tail and rear are still unknown.

       Solenodonsaurus is named after having teeth that are the same type, sharp and slightly curved, suitable for catching insects. The ear structure is simple and probably could only pick up lower pitch sounds. While it has been placed in Reptilomorpha under labyrinthodonts, it does not have the characteristic labyrinthodont teeth. The spine however is more characteristic of terrestrial amphibians.
       Its precise classification has been difficult to clearly establish and may possibly change in the future, especially with the advent of new discoveries. One thing that can be said is that it is either an example of an early amniote or a group that is closely related to them.

Further reading
- A new study of Solenodonsaurus janenschi, and a reconsideration of amniote origins and stegocephalian evolution. - Canadian Journal of Earth Science, no 36 (8): pp 1239–1255. - M. Laurin & R. R. Rize - 1999.
- Redescription and phylogenetic relationships of Solenodonsaurus janenschi Broili, 1924, from the Late Carboniferous of N�řany, Czech Republic. - Fossil Record. 15 (2): 45. - M. N. Danto, F. Witzmann & J. M�ller - 2012.

Random favourites