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Karaurus

The only known skeleton of Karaurus

Karaurus is a salamander from Jurassic Kazakhstan. It is one of the oldest known salamanders.

Description[]

The only known skeleton of Karaurus (which is likely a juvenile) is about 20 centimeters long. It is heavily built, with a broad head.[1]

Classification[]

Karaurus belongs to its own family, Karauridae, along with the genus Kokartus.[2]

Discovery[]

Karaurus was found in Karatau Ridge in Kazakhstan[3], which was once a lake bed. It was described in 1978 by Mikhael Ivachnenko.[4]

Paleobiology[]

Karaurus probably fed on freshwater crustaceans and insects.[5]

References[]

  1. DK LTD. Prehistoric Life: The Definitive Visual History of Life on Earth. New York: DK Publishing, 2009. Print.
  2. L. A. Nessov. 1988. Late Mesozoic amphibians and lizards of Soviet Middle Asia. Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia 31(14):475-486 [E. Fara/E. Fara]
  3. http://www.mathematical.com/dinokaraurus.html
  4. http://www.mathematical.com/dinoivachnenko.html
  5. Palmer, D., ed (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 57. ISBN 1-84028-152-9.
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