Ariekanerpeton Explained

Ariekanerpeton is an extinct genus of seymouriamorph from the lower Permian. Fossils have been found from Tajikistan representing over 900 individuals of various stages of ontogenic development.[1] However, it is thought that none of these specimens are of fully mature animals as poor bone ossification is present and the neural arches are paired and disarticulated from the pleurocentra.[2]

Ariekanerpeton is thought to have been more closely related to Discosauriscus and Seymouria than to Utegenia due to the absence of gastralia or a postorbital-supratemporal contact. However, it is not a member of the family Discosauriscidae or the family Seymouriidae. There are no dermal scales present on post-metamorphic specimens as there are on Discosauriscus.[3] Lateral lines are present in the skulls of larval individuals but are lost soon after metamorphosis. Unlike Utegenia and Discosauriscus, Ariekanerpeton is thought to have inhabited relatively arid environments.[4]

References

Notes and References

  1. Ivakhnenko, M. F. (1981). Discosauriscidae from the Permian of Tadzhikistan. Paleontological Journal 1:114–128.
  2. Web site: Ariekanerpeton sigalovi.
  3. 10.1080/02724634.1996.10011355. A reevaluation of Ariekanerpeton, a Lower Permian seymouriamorph (Vertebrata: Seymouriamorpha) from Tadzhikistan . 1996 . Laurin . Michel . Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology . 16 . 4 . 653–665 . 1996JVPal..16..653L .
  4. Malakhov, D. M. (200). The topography of the lateral line organs on the skull of Utegenia shpinari. Biota 1(2):21-26.