Spinoaequalis

Taxobox
name = "Spinoaequalis"
status = fossil
fossil_range = Late Carboniferous
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Sauropsida
ordo = ?Araeoscelida
genus = "Spinoaequalis"

"Spinoaequalis" is an extinct genus of diapsid reptile.

The 30 cm (1 ft) long creature, known from fossils found in Kansas, USA, was one of the first diapsids, along with "Petrolacosaurus". It was also the first reptile to return to the water, evolving shortly after "Hylonomus", the oldest confirmed reptile. "Spinoaequalis" was not fully aquatic, frequently returning to dry land. It probably swam using its laterally flattened, fanned tail. Its name means "symmetrical spine" referring to its deep, laterally compressed tail. "Spinoaequalis" has been found along with beautifully preserved marine fish, suggesting it occasionally left fresh water streams for the sea. Dr. Michael deBraga, a sessional lecturer at the University of Toronto and head of science at Lambton Kingsway Junior Middle school, was the descrioer and namer of this animal.