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Labyrinthodonts from South Africa
Author(s) -
Parrington F. R.
Publication year - 1948
Publication title -
proceedings of the zoological society of london
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0370-2774
DOI - 10.1111/j.1096-3642.1948.tb00388.x
Subject(s) - fauna , geosyncline , paleontology , stapes , anatomy , crista , geology , biology , structural basin , middle ear , ecology , microbiology and biotechnology , mitochondrion
Summary.1 A revision of the neorhachitomous labyrinthodont Lydekkerina huxleyi (Lydekker) has been made to correct details of the dermal bones in the region of the nares and the proportions of the basicranial region, and to add to the recorded accounts of the palate. 2 The stapes of Lydekkerina is shown to have a clearly defined point of attachment for a cartilaginous connection to the quadrate; an anteroventral accessory process from the head, which is supported by the parafenestral crista of the pterygoid; and an additional anterodorsal accessory process. 3 A new labyrinthodont, Limnoiketes paludinatans, is described. It is believed to be closely related to the main stem of the group between Rhinesuchus and the Triassic capitosaurs. The type is believed to be an immature animal. 4 The abrupt change in the South African Karroo fauna which took place at the start of the Trias is discussed. It is believed to have been due to a swamping of the geosyncline in which the Beaufort rocks were deposited because the only large forms which survived through the Lystrosaurus zone were aquatic or semi‐aquatic. This conclusion implies that the larger members of the fauna at least were confined to the basin of deposition. It is pointed out that, from quite independent evidence, Bystrow has deduced a contemporaneous change from a relatively dry to a humid climate in the region of the Russian platform.