Dipterus

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Dipterus
Temporal range: Devonian, EifelianGivetian
Dipterus valenciennesi.jpg
Dipterus valenciennesi
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Dipnoi
Family: Dipteridae
Genus: Dipterus
Sedgwick & Murchison, 1828
Type species
Dipterus valenciennesi
Sedgwick & Murchison, 1828
Other species[1]
  • D. contraversus Hay, 1899
  • D. crassus Gross, 1933
  • D. macropterus (Traquair, 1888)
  • D. serratus (Eichwald, 1844)

Dipterus (meaning 'two wings') is an extinct genus of lungfish from the middle Devonian period of Europe and North America.

Restoration
Illustration of Dipterus valenciennesi

In most respects, Dipterus, which was about 35 centimetres (14 in) long, closely resembled modern lungfish. Like its ancestor Dipnorhynchus, it had tooth-like plates on its palate instead of real teeth. However, unlike its modern relatives, in which the dorsal, caudal, and anal fin are fused into one, Dipterus's fins were still separated.[2] It mostly ate invertebrates[citation needed], and had lungs, not an air bladder. These were more developed in Dipterus and are still seen in modern-day lungfish.

The genus was established by Adam Sedgwick & Roderick Murchison in the year 1828.

References[]

  1. ^ http://fossilworks.org/bridge.pl?a=taxonInfo&taxon_no=34888
  2. ^ Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 45. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.


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