Eodiscoglossus is an extinct genus of prehistoric frogs. It is known from the type species E. santonjae from the Early Cretaceous (Barremian) El Castellar Formation of Spain, as well as a referred species E. oxoniensis known from the Forest Marble Formation of the UK[1][2][3] and an indeterminate species from the Dzunbain Formation of Mongolia.[4] It was a small primitive frog, with a length of only 27 mm (1.1 in) from the premaxilla to the ischium.[2] Formerly considered to be closely related to discoglossids, E. santonjae is now regarded as close to the root of the crown group of modern frogs[3] in a position more derived than New Zealand frogs and tailed frogs, but more basal than costatans like alytids and other more advanced frogs like neobatrachians. The morphology of E. santonjae suggests a generalist and unspecialised movement habit.[5] The referral of E. oxoniensis to Eodiscoglossus has been questioned, as it is much earlier than the type species and it is based on homoplasic and plesiomorphic characteristics inherited from a common ancestor, so there is no clear evidence of a close relation.[6]
Eodiscoglossus Temporal range: Early Cretaceous,
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Holotype specimen of E. santonjae | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Amphibia |
Order: | Anura |
Genus: | †Eodiscoglossus Villalta, 1957 |
Type species | |
Eodiscoglossus santonjae Villalta, 1957
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Other species | |
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