Cochleosaurus

Cok-lee-oh-sore-us.
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Emerson Winslow

Paleoichthyologist

Emerson Winslow delves into the underwater world of prehistoric fish, uncovering the mysteries of early marine life. His discoveries have enhanced understanding of vertebrate evolution in aquatic environments.

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Name

Cochleosaurus (Ear lizard).

Phonetic

Cok-lee-oh-sore-us.

Named By

Fritsch - 1885.

Classification

Chordata, Amphibia, Temnospondyli, Edopoidea, Cochleosauridae.

Diet

Carnivore.

Species

C. bohemicus, C.florensis

Size

Up to 1.6 meters long.

Known locations

Czech Republic, N�řany. Canada, Nova Scotia.

Time Period

Moscovian of the Carboniferous.

Fossil representation

Around 50 known specimens.

In Depth

       Despite its name, Cochleosaurus was actually an amphibian. The skull is quite flat and features an ear structure better adapted for use on the land. Some have considered Cochleosaurus to have been an ambush hunter similar to crocodiles today.

Further Reading

– The edopoid amphibian Cochleosaurus from the middle Pennsylvanian of Nova Scotia. Palaeontology 23:143-150 – O. Rieppel – 1980.

SPECIES SPOTLIGHT