Spinoaequalis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Spinoaequalis Fossil range: Late Carboniferous |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation status | ||||||||||
|
Fossil
|
||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||
|
Spinoaequalis is an extinct genus of diapsid reptile.
The 30 cm (1 ft) long creature, known from fossils found in Kansas, USA, was one of the first diapsids, along with Petrolacosaurus. It was also the first reptile to return to the water, evolving shortly after Hylonomus, the oldest confirmed reptile. Spinoaequalis was not fully aquatic, frequently returning to dry land. It probably swam using its laterally flattened, fanned tail. Spinoaequalis has been found along with beautifully preserved marine fish, suggesting it occasionally left fresh water streams for the sea. Michael Debraga, also a science teacher/homeroom teacher currently working at Lambton Kingsway Junior Middle school, was the founder of this animal.
 |
This article about a prehistoric reptile is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
