The braincase of Eocaecilia micropodia (Lissamphibia, Gymnophiona) and the origin of Caecilians.

ABSTRACT: The scant fossil record of caecilians has obscured the origin and evolution of this lissamphibian group. Eocaecilia micropodia from the Lower Jurassic of North America remains the only stem-group caecilian with an almost complete skull preserved. However, this taxon has been controversial, engendering re-evaluation of traits considered to be plesiomorphic for extant caecilians. Both the validity of the placement of E. micropodia as a stem caecilian and estimates of the plesiomorphic condition of extant caecilians have been questioned. In order to address these issues, the braincase of E. micropodia was examined via micro-computed tomography. The braincase is considered to be a more reliable phylogenetic indicator than peripheral regions of the skull. These data reveal significant new infor

SUBMITTER: Maddin HC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3515621 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature