A new paleozoic Symmoriiformes (Chondrichthyes) from the late Carboniferous of Kansas (USA) and cladistic analysis of early chondrichthyans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The relationships of cartilaginous fishes are discussed in the light of well preserved three-dimensional Paleozoic specimens. There is no consensus to date on the interrelationship of Paleozoic chondrichthyans, although three main phylogenetic hypotheses exist in the current literature: 1. the Paleozoic shark-like chondrichthyans, such as the Symmoriiformes, are grouped along with the modern sharks (neoselachians) into a clade which is sister group of holocephalans; 2. the Symmoriiformes are related to holocephalans, whereas the other Paleozoic shark-like chondrichthyans are related to neoselachians; 3. many Paleozoic shark-like chondrichthyans, such as the Symmoriiformes, are stem chondrichthyans, whereas stem and crown holocephalans are sister group to the stem and cro

SUBMITTER: Pradel A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3181253 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature