The seymouriamorph tetrapod Ariekanerpeton sigalovi from the Lower Permian of Tadzhikistan. Part I: Cranial anatomy and ontogeny

Abstract

Redescription of the cranial anatomy of Ariekanerpeton sigalovi (Seymouriamorpha: Discosauriscidae; Lower Permian, Tadzhikistan) highlights new diagnostic features which permit a new skull reconstruction and revised diagnosis. The largest Ariekanerpeton specimens differ from like-sized Discosauriscus, a second member of Discosauriscidae, in showing: oblique anterior margin of tabular ornamented surface; acute, elongate posterolateral corner of supratemporal; postorbital ventrolateral ramus with small anteroventral process and forming oblique suture with jugal dorsomedial ramus; jugal posterior ramus tapering rearward, forming subhorizontal suture with quadratojugal; weak ventral sculpture lateral to pterygoid articular recess; parasphenoid subrhomboidal, with lightly sculptured anterior wedge-like process; more densely arranged denticle rows on top of low radiating ridges on pterygoid palatal ramus. Gill filaments occur in specimens with skull lengths of up to 30 mm. Detailed examination of ontogenetic changes in Ariekanerpeton and comparisons with other seymouriamorphs are presented.