On Possible Trophic Adaptations of Some Rhytidosteidae (Amphibia, Temnospondyli)

Abstract

Temnospondyl amphibians of the family Rhytidosteidae were widespread in the Early Triassic in the Southern Hemisphere. New records in southeastern European Russia show that the type genus of the family, Rhytidosteus, was widespread in this region of Laurasia. The analysis of morphology of these specimens confined to the Late Olenekian continental deposits of the southern Cis-Urals and Buzuluk Depression and examination of accompanying ichnofossils suggest that the original structure of the skull and jaw apparatus in representatives of this genus (and probably other rhytidosteids) is connected with specific trophic adaptation, i.e., feeding on invertebrates with a rather firm armor (for example, freshwater crustaceans).