The Coal Measures Amphibia of North AmericaMoodie, Roy Lee
Science
The Coal Measures Amphibia of North America
Moodie, Roy Lee
Amphibians, Fossil -- North America; Paleontology -- Carboniferous; Paleontology -- North America
The similarity of the intestinal structure is of considerable importance
to our understanding of the relationship existing between the
Carboniferous Branchiosauria and the modern Caudata, and only confirms
other arguments, offered in another place (459), concerning their
immediate relationship.
The branchiosaurian affinities of the present species are almost too
evident to need discussion. The entire structure is essentially similar to
that of other genera of the order.
The third specimen of this species (No. 4400 of the U. S. National Museum)
is almost as perfectly preserved as were the other two specimens. The
skull structure, the intermediate position of the pineal foramen, the
epiotic notch, and the shape of the skull are essentially similar to the
described specimens of the species. The present specimen is more developed
than the other two and probably represents an adult. The alimentary canal
is perfectly preserved.
It is nearly half again as long as the smallest of the above-described
specimens, and the skull is proportionately longer and wider. There is
preserved also an impression of the anterior ends of both clavicles. The
right humerus is imperfectly preserved, as is also the right femur and
tibia; other than these the fossil is merely an impression.
The skull is so similar to those described above that additional
description is unnecessary. The pineal foramen is quite large and lies
on a line which cuts the orbits into equal longitudinal parts. The
interorbital space is about equal to the long diameter of the orbit.
Traces of sclerotic plates are observed in the left orbit, but they are
quite imperfect.
The alimentary canal (fig. 14_a_) is unlike the previously described
structures, in that the intestine is longer and more convoluted. It
lies in five longitudinal folds and ends in an enlarged cloaca, near
which there are impressions of two glands, or the posterior ends of
the oviducts, as was suggested for the Yale specimens. The creatures
undoubtedly fed on small plants and animals much as do the recent
salamanders.
Measurements of Eumicrerpeton parvum Moodie.
No. 803 (222), Yale University Museum: mm.
Length of animal 37.5
Length of skull 4.5
Posterior width of skull at table 6
Long diameter of eye 1.75
Transverse diameter of eye 65
Length of left humerus 1.50
Number of ventral armature rods in 1 mm 10
Length of femur 1.75
Width across base of tail impression 3.5
Length of tail from base to tip 17
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