1984/09/01 by Robert R. Reisz, David S. Berman, Diane Scott · 96 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology #Evolution and Paleontology Studies #Amphibian and Reptile Biology #Osteology #Permian #Biology #Skull #Salamander #Tetrapod (structure) #Paleontology #Anatomy #Phylogenetic tree #Evolutionary biology #Adaptive radiation #Zoology
paper · doi:10.1080/02724634.1984.10011986
published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 4(1), 57-67 (Taylor & Francis)
openalex publication_date 1984/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Two recently discovered skeletons of the enigmatic Lower Permian reptile Araeoscelis provide important, additional information on its osteology and permit a reassessment of its phylogenetic relationships. A combination of primitive and derived characters shared by Araeoscelis and Petrolacosaurus justifies their inclusion in the suborder Araeoscelidia as members of separate families and indicates that they represent the earliest, most primitive known stage in the adaptive radiation of the diapsid reptiles. Araeoscelis exhibits a suite of unusual cranial features resulting in a massive, sturdily constructed skull, which is interpreted as an adaptation to a specialized diet that probably included invertebrates protected by heavy exoskeletons. This theory is also used to explain the absence of a lower temporal fenestra in Araeoscelis as the result of secondary closure. Some cranial features are noted that support this hypothesis.