Abstract
The basal tetrapod <i>Solenodonsaurus janenschi</i> Broili, 1924, from Nýřany (Westphalian D, Late Carboniferous), Czech Republic, is redescribed and its phylogenetic position reevaluated. A distinct groove at the base of the maxillary teeth is regarded as an autapomorphic character, which is present in both the large and small specimens. Other characteristic features, which are not unique to <i>S. janenschi</i>, are: an extension of the lacrimal that forms the anteroventral margin of the orbit; a long posterior extension of the jugal; spool-shaped vertebrae, and small, wedge-like intercentra. A phylogenetic analysis based on the data matrix of Ruta, Coates and Quicke suggests that <i>S. janenschi</i> is the sister taxon of the Lepospondyli. Shared characters include the shape of the vertebrae, non-swollen neural arches, and absence of an intertemporal. Although nested within the amniote stem, <i>S. janenschi</i> is not as closely related to basal amniotes as previously suggested. A rather long, slender humerus argues for a predominantly terrestrial mode of life, and the curved, slender ribs, as well as the comparatively small skull, suggest costal ventilation of the lungs similar to that in amniotes, rather than buccal pumping. The morphology of the shallow squamosal embayment in which an ossified dorsal margin is absent, renders the presence of a tympanum unlikely. <br><br> doi:<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mmng.201200003" target="_blank">10.1002/mmng.201200003</a>
Highlights
Solenodonsaurus janenschi Broili, 1924 is a basal tetrapod only known from the Late Carboniferous (Westphalian D) Gaskohle of Nyrany, Czech Republic
Broili (1905) was the first study of S. janenschi based on a slab from Nyrany preserving a skull and postcranial elements of a tetrapod, which he interpreted to be the temnospondyl Cochleosaurus bohemicus based on a description by Fric (1876)
Previous studies of Solenodonsaurus janenschi did not ascertain if the small individual housed in Berlin and Cambridge belongs to the same taxon as the holotype, i.e. if the Solenodonsaurus material represents a partial growth series or different taxa (Carroll 1970; Laurin & Reisz 1999)
Summary
Solenodonsaurus janenschi Broili, 1924 is a basal tetrapod only known from the Late Carboniferous (Westphalian D) Gaskohle of Nyrany, Czech Republic. Am. 989.1) measures 360 mm from the incomplete tip of the snout to the last preserved vertebra and consists of the greater part of the skull, disarticulated elements of the right pectoral girdle, left forelimb, parts of the presacral vertebral column, and several ribs (Fig. 1).
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