A large Middle Devonian eubrachythoracid 'placoderm' (Arthrodira) jaw from northern Gondwana.

ABSTRACT: For the understanding of the evolution of jawed vertebrates and jaws and teeth, 'placoderms' are crucial as they exhibit an impressive morphological disparity associated with the early stages of this process. The Devonian of Morocco is famous for its rich occurrences of arthrodire 'placoderms'. While Late Devonian strata are rich in arthrodire remains, they are less common in older strata. Here, we describe a large tooth-bearing jaw element of Leptodontichthys ziregensis gen. et sp. nov., an eubrachythoracid arthrodire from the Middle Devonian of Morocco. This species is based on a large posterior superognathal with a strong dentition. The jawbone displays features considered synapomorphies of Late Devonian eubrachythoracid arthrodires, with one posterior and one lateral row of coni

SUBMITTER: Jobbins M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7809001 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature