Palaeontology

Giant prehistoric salamander discovered

By T.K. Randall
March 24, 2015 ·  6 comments

Metoposaurus grew up to two meters in length. Image Credit: PD - Daderot Known as Metoposaurus algarvensis, the enormous amphibian is believed to have fed on fish found in lakes and streams during the Late Triassic Period around 200 million years ago.

Its remains, along with those of hundreds of other specimens, were discovered in mudstone by researchers from the University of Edinburgh at the site of a prehistoric dried-up lake bed in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.

Measuring up to 2 meters long, Metoposaurus had a peculiarly long, flat head which has been humorously likened to a "toilet seat with teeth" by study leader Steve Brusatte.With its small, weak limbs the species was unable to venture too far from the water and was at frequent risk of being stranded, particularly during extended periods of hot and dry weather.

Despite this however Metoposaurus was thought to have thrived right up until its eventual demise during the mass extinction event that occurred at the end of the Triassic.

"There would have been dramatic swings in the environment as Pangea broke apart," said Brusatte. "Even though it took a long time, these big amphibians did not cope with that well at all."

Source: The Guardian | Comments (6)

Tags: Salamander