Tulerpeton

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Tulerpeton
Fossil range: Late Devonian

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
(unranked) Reptiliomorpha
Order: Anthracosauria
Suborder: Embolomeri
Family: Proterogyrinidae
Romer, 1970
Genus: Tulerpeton
Lebedeu, 1984

Tulerpeton is an extinct genus of Devonian tetrapod that was found in the Tula Region of Russia. It is considered one of the first true tetrapods to have arisen. This species is differentiated from the less derived "aquatic tetrapods" (such as Acanthostega and Ichthyostega) by a strengthened limb structure. Despite the reinforced structure of its limbs, however, Tulerpeton does not have a true wrist or ankle. Additionally, its limbs appear to be designed for powerful paddling rather than walking.

[edit] Description

Tulerpeton is known from a fragmented skull, a partially complete pectoral girdle, forelimbs and hindlimbs.

[edit] References