Triadobatrachus

Name meaning:

Triassic frog

Period of life:

250 million years ago

Period:

Triassic period

Habitat:

Floodplains

Taxonomy:

Amphibians

Countries:

Triassic period Triadobatrachus | 3D Dinopedia

Hyperodapedon

Diplodocus

Triadobatrachus (250 million years ago)

Triadobatrachus (Triadobatrachus massinoti) is an extinct genus of ancient amphibians that is considered one of the earliest ancestors of modern frogs and toads. It lived during the Early Triassic, about 250 million years ago, in what is now Madagascar.

Triadobatrachus was a relatively small animal, reaching a total length of only about 10 centimeters. Its body was elongated and retained a short tail, which distinguishes it from modern frogs, whose adults lack a tail. One of the most remarkable features of Triadobatrachus was the large number of vertebrae—at least 26—whereas modern frogs have only 4 to 9. This indicates that Triadobatrachus was less specialized for jumping than its modern relatives and probably moved by combining short hops with swimming.

The skull of Triadobatrachus already resembled that of modern frogs: it was broad, with large eye sockets, and consisted of a lattice of thin bones separated by large openings. Like modern amphibians, it probably absorbed oxygen both through its lungs and through its skin.

Although Triadobatrachus was discovered in deposits of an ancient river delta, the structure of its body and the presence of fossilized terrestrial plants nearby suggest that it likely spent part of its time on land. Possibly, like many modern frogs, it lived near bodies of water, using them for reproduction and as shelter from predators, while venturing onto land in search of food. It is assumed that Triadobatrachus was a predator that fed on small invertebrates.

Triadobatrachus represents an important link in frog evolution, demonstrating transitional features between more primitive amphibians and modern members of the order Anura. Its study allows paleontologists to better understand the origin and evolutionary history of one of the most widespread groups of living vertebrates.

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