Produced by the Population Genetics and Evolution class, Furman University

The Triassic: Mastodonsaurus
Mastodonsaurus was a large temnospondyl amphibian that reached lengths of up to 6 meters with a head that could reach a meter in length (Kazlev 2010, Zaurolandia 2010). Due to their almost exclusive aquatic lifestyle, their skeletons became increasingly cartilaginous and their heads became very large and flat. It is currently believed that due to its head size, the only way to open its mouth would have been for the organism to tilt its head back entirely (Kazlev 2010). Their jaws were characterized by uneven teeth and well developed nasal apertures that could allow them to breathe air while keeping most of their body submerged (Stow 1859). Interestingly enough, it has been discovered that Mastodonsaurus possessed sensory organs known as lateral line canals that would allow them to detect water vibrations given off by other organisms. This feature is found in many extant fish and reveals that Mastodonsaurus was well adapted for survival in murky lakes and ponds (Zaurolandia 2010).

Page by Iggy Gaska
Mastodonsaurus. Picture From: palaeo-online.

Kazlev AM.2010. Temnospondyli: Overview.www.palaeos.com. Accessed May 23, 2010.

Huxley TH. 1859. Some amphibian and reptilian remains from South Africa and Australia. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society 15:642-649.

Zaurolandia. 2010.Mastodonsaurus. Accessed March 23, 2010.