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213 / Paleozoic
Diplocaulus
Diplocaulus magnicornis
Its skull spread sideways into a boomerang, perhaps producing lift in current or making it hard to swallow.
- Time range
- About 298–272 million years ago
- Final stage
- Early Permian
- Geographic range
- Seasonal rivers and ponds · North America
01 / DEFINITION & ECOLOGY
What was Diplocaulus?
Diplocaulus (Diplocaulus magnicornis) was an extinct organism known from About 298–272 million years ago, with a range in Seasonal rivers and ponds · North America.
Life and ecology
Diplocaulus was an aquatic lepospondyl whose skull horns lengthened with age. Its flat body and tail suited bottom swimming; the head may have aided hydrodynamics and defense.
02 / DISAPPEARANCE
Why did Diplocaulus disappear?
Increasing Permian aridity reduced inland waters, and freshwater-dependent lepospondyls declined through prolonged change.
03 / EVIDENCE
How do scientists know about Diplocaulus?
Complete skulls and skeletons of different ages form a growth series; the head's exact function remains debated.
04 / SOURCES & FURTHER READING
Check the source record
Use the scientific name to compare taxonomy, occurrence records and the fossil record. Database coverage and classifications may differ.
05 / REVISION HISTORY
How has this record changed?
- Verified authoritative entity sources and added three responsive reconstruction sizes.
- Initial bilingual species record published.
06 / CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONS