Diplocaulus prehistoric amphibians. Artwork showing Diplocaulus amphibians next to a pond. This extinct genus lived around 270 million years ago (late Permian period). They were distinguished by a boomerang shaped,flattened head formed by two elongated bones. They grew to 1 metre long and had four short legs,and a short flattened tail. It is thought the unusual shaped head may have acted as a hydrofoil,helping Diplocaulus to swim against the current. Another use for such a large head would be to deter predators that may not be able to fit Diplocaulus into their mouths. Like all amphibians,they had to live near the water since their shell-less eggs must be laid in water (or very damp areas) | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Darkin, Christian |
Bildgröße: | 4850 px × 3638 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |