Reiszerpeton
Reiszerpeton is an extinct genus of dissorophid temnospondyl known from the Early Permian Archer City Formation of Texas. It is known solely from the holotype, MCZ 1911, a complete skull. This specimen was originally referred to the amphibamiform Tersomius texensis.[1] A reappraisal of the holotype of T. texensis and a number of other referred specimens by Maddin et al. (2013)[2] noted a number of differences from both T. texensis and amphibamiforms more broadly that suggested affinities with the Dissorophidae. This was confirmed by a phylogenetic analysis, which placed it as the sister taxon to the Eucacopinae (Cacops + Zygosaurus + Kamacops). Reiszerpeton is known only from the type species, R. renascentis, which was named for Canadian paleontologist Robert Reisz. The species name refers to the recognition of Reisz as a "renaissance paleontologist." It is differentiated from other dissorophids by its small size, small and more numerous maxillary teeth, smooth cranial ornamentation, and greater distance between the orbit and the otic notch.
| Reiszerpeton Temporal range: Early Permian | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Order: | †Temnospondyli |
| Family: | †Dissorophidae |
| Genus: | †Reiszerpeton Maddin et al., 2013 |
| Type species | |
| †Reiszerpeton renascentis Maddin et al., 2013 | |
Phylogeny
Below is the 50% majority rule consensus tree from Maddin et al. (2013):
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References
- Carroll, Robert L. (1964). "Early evolution of the dissorophid amphibians". Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 131 (7): 161–250 – via Biodiversity Heritage Library.
- Maddin, H. C.; Fröbisch, N. B.; Evans, D. C.; Milner, A. R. (2013). "Reappraisal of the Early Permian amphibamid Tersomius texensis and some referred material". Comptes Rendus Palevol. 12 (7–8): 447–461. doi:10.1016/j.crpv.2013.06.007.
