Protoclepsydrops is an extinct genus of early synapsids, found in Joggins, Nova Scotia.[1] The name means 'first Clepsydrops', and refers to it being the predecessor of the other early synapsid Clepsydrops.

Protoclepsydrops
Temporal range: Late Carboniferous, 318–315 Ma
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Clade: Synapsida
Clade: incertae sedis
Genus: Protoclepsydrops
Carroll, 1964
Type species
Protoclepsydrops haplous
Carroll, 1964

Description edit

Like Archaeothyris, Protoclepsydrops resembled a modern lizard in superficial appearance. However, Protoclepsydrops had primitive vertebrae with tiny neural processes typical of their amniote ancestors. Protoclepsydrops is known from a few vertebrae and some humeri.[2]

Classification edit

Its skeletal remains indicate that it may have been more closely related to synapsids than to sauropsids, making it a possible stem-mammal. If so, it is the oldest synapsid known, though its status is unconfirmed because its remains are too fragmentary. Protoclepsydrops lived slightly earlier than Archaeothyris.[3]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Carroll, Robert L. (1964). "The earliest reptiles". Journal of the Linnean Society of London, Zoology. 45 (304): 61–83. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1964.tb00488.x.
  2. ^ Reisz, R., 1972. Pelycosaurian reptiles from the middle Pennsylvanian of North America. Harvard University.
  3. ^ Benton M.J. and Donoghue P.C.J. 2006. Palaeontological evidence to date the tree of life. Molecular biology and evolution. 24(1): 26–53. [1]

External links edit