Microbrachis

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Microbrachis Fossil range: Late Carboniferous
Microbrachis
Conservation status
Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Amphibia Subclass: Lepospondyli Order: Microsauria Family: Microbrachidae Genus: Microbrachis

Microbrachis ('small arm') is an extinct genus of lepospondyl amphibian from the Carboniferous period of western Czech Republic. It was about 15 cm (6 in) long. Microbrachis was an elongated, salamander-like creature with over 40 vertebrae instead of the average 15-26 in its relatives. It probably swam using fish-like lateral body movements, not using its small limbs. Microbrachis probably fed on fresh water plankton such as shrimps. Microbrachis was pedomorphic, retaining its larval gills in adulthood. Similar traits are found in the extant axolotl.

[edit] References

• Andrew R. Milner, "The Tetrapod Assemblage from Nýrany, Czechoslovakia", in Systematics Association Special Volume No.15, "The Terrestrial Environment and the Origin of Land Vertebrates", ed. by A. L. Panchen, 1980, pp.439-496, Academic Press, London and New York

[edit] External links

• Microbrachis, The Type Microsaur (abstract)