A new genus and species of frog from the Kem Kem (Morocco), the second neobatrachian from Cretaceous Africa.

ABSTRACT: Neobatrachia, a clade representing the majority of extant anuran diversity, is thought to have emerged and diversified during the Cretaceous. Most of the early diversification of neobatrachians occurred in southern Gondwana, especially the regions that are today South America and Africa. Whereas five extinct neobatrachians have been described from the Cretaceous of South America in the last decade, only one is known from Africa. This difference in the known extinct diversity is linked to the lack of well-preserved specimens, understudy of fragmentary remains, and lack of known Cretaceous sites in Africa. Study of fragmentary anuran remains from Africa could allow for the identification of previously unknown neobatrachians, allowing for a better understanding of their early diversification.

SUBMITTER: Lemierre A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9291016 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature