Temnospondyli
Quick Summary
Temnospondyli refers to a diverse group of extinct amphibians that lived from the early Carboniferous to the early Cretaceous periods. These ancient amphibians were characterized by their "cut" vertebrae, a feature that distinguishes them from other tetrapods.1
Temnospondyls exhibited a wide range of forms and lifestyles, with some being large, stout-bodied terrestrial animals, while others were small, elongated, and aquatic. They played a significant role in ancient ecosystems, with some groups persisting for millions of years. The classification and relationships of temnospondyls are complex and continue to be a subject of scientific study.2
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
amphibianAnnotated classification…within the superorder Lepospondyli, and Temnospondylia and Lissamphibia are listed as separate subclasses. Groups indicated by a dagger (†) are known only from fossils.
Read More…within the superorder Lepospondyli, and Temnospondylia and Lissamphibia are listed as separate subclasses. Groups indicated by a dagger (†) are known only from fossils.
Read More- amphibianAnnotated classification
†Subclass Temnospondyli (temnospondyls)Upper Mississippian to Middle Cretaceous. Vertebral centrum of large intercentrum and pair of small pleurocentra.†Superfamily Trimerorhachoidea (trimerorhachoids)Upper Mississippian to Upper Permian. Flattened skull, shortened preorbital and elongate postorbital regions;
Read More†Subclass Temnospondyli (temnospondyls)Upper Mississippian to Middle Cretaceous. Vertebral centrum of large intercentrum and pair of small pleurocentra.†Superfamily Trimerorhachoidea (trimerorhachoids)Upper Mississippian to Upper Permian. Flattened skull, shortened preorbital and elongate postorbital regions;
Read More