Gaiasia: a late survivor of a basal tetrapod radiation
Marsicano et al 2024 brings us
a ‘giant stem tetrapod’ named Gaiasia (Early Permian, skull length 60cm, Fig 1).
Figure 1. Gaiasia illustration from Mariscano et al 2024. Colors added here. Shown to scale with Early Carboniferous Trypanognathus, a basal tetrapod in the LRT.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gaiasia-jennyae-skull588.jpg?w=198″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gaiasia-jennyae-skull588.jpg?w=584″ tabindex=”0″ role=”button” class=”size-full wp-image-88240″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/gaiasia-jennyae-skull588.jpg” alt=”Figure 1. Gaiasia illustration from Mariscano et al 2024. Colors added here. Shown to scale with Early Carboniferous Trypanognathus, a basal tetrapod in the LRT.” width=”584″ height=”884″ />
Figure 1. Gaiasia illustration from Mariscano et al 2024. Colors added here. Shown to scale with Early Carboniferous Trypanognathus, a basal tetrapod in the LRT.
The specimen lacks
a pineal foramen and pterygoid teeth. The prefrontal contacts the maxilla, overlapping the lacrimal. The basipterygoid is massive. The rest of the skull is relatively light in weight. The palatal fangs interlocked.
Figure 1. Vertebrates at the transition from stem-tetrapod to tetrapod in the LRT. Trypanognathus is the most primitive known tetrapod in the LRT, despite its late appearance in the latest Carboniferous.
” data-medium-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/panderichthys_trypanognathus_ventral588.jpg?w=82″ data-large-file=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/panderichthys_trypanognathus_ventral588.jpg?w=279″ tabindex=”0″ role=”button” class=”size-full wp-image-55078″ src=”https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/panderichthys_trypanognathus_ventral588.jpg” alt=”Figure 1. Vertebrates at the transition from stem-tetrapod to tetrapod in the LRT. Trypanognathus is the most primitive known tetrapod in the LRT, despite its late appearance in the latest Carboniferous.” width=”584″ height=”2145″ />
Figure 2. Vertebrates at the transition from stem-tetrapod to tetrapod in the LRT. Trypanognathus is the most primitive known tetrapod in the LRT, despite its late appearance in the latest Carboniferous.
Limb material is not preserved.
The related Trypanognathus (Figs 1, 2) has feeble limbs that had just evolved from the little fins of a larger ancestor, Panderichthys (Fig 2). The authors compared their find to more fish-like colosteids, like Pholidogaster, which also has tiny limbs. Trypanognathus is not listed as a tested taxon in the authors’ cladogram, which does not resemble the cladogram in the LRT largely due to taxon exclusion.
The fossil is named for the Gai-as Formation in Namibia
and for Jenny Clack, a paleontologist who specialized in the evolution of early tetrapods
References
Marsicano CA et al (6 co-authors) 2024. Giant stem tetrapod was apex predator in Gondwanan late Palaeozoic ice age. Nature. doi:10.1038/s41586-024-07572-0
Publicity
sci.news/paleontology/gaiasia-jennyae-13074.html
Source: https://pterosaurheresies.wordpress.com/2024/08/15/gaiasia-a-late-survivor-of-a-basal-tetrapod-radiation/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Nootropic
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, But it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity.
Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins.
Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome.
Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function.
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Online: | |
| Visits: | 1,628,941,455 |
| Stories: | 8,218,529 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
