Tulerpeton

Taxobox
name = "Tulerpeton"

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thumb
fossil_range = Late Devonian
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
unranked_classis = Reptiliomorpha
ordo = Anthracosauria
subordo = Embolomeri
familia = Proterogyrinidae
familia_authority = Romer, 1970
genus = "Tulerpeton"
genus_authority = Lebedeu, 1984

"Tulerpeton" is an extinct genus of Devonian tetrapod that was found in the Tula Region of Russia. It is considered one of the first true tetrapods to have arisen. This species is differentiated from the less derived "aquatic tetrapods" (such as "Acanthostega" and "Ichthyostega") by a strengthened limb structure. Despite the reinforced structure of its limbs, however, "Tulerpeton" does not have a true wrist or ankle. Additionally, its limbs appear to be designed for powerful paddling rather than walking.

Description

"Tulerpeton" is known from a fragmented skull, a partially complete pectoral girdle, forelimbs and hindlimbs.

References

* [http://www.devoniantimes.org/Order/re-tulerpeton.html The Devonian Times reports on Tulerpeton]
* [http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/PBZ/journal/issues/v77n5/040012/040012.web.pdf Gordon, M.S. and Long, J.A. (2004) The Greatest Step In Vertebrate History: A Paleobiological Review of the Fish-Tetrapod Transition. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. 77(5):700-719.]