Neotalus

Neotalus is a genus of extinct temnospondyl amphibians that lived during the Late Permian period. Fossils of Neotalus have been found in South Africa.

Description:

Neotalus was a relatively small temnospondyl, characterized by its flattened skull and likely aquatic or semi-aquatic lifestyle. Specific details about its size and morphology are derived from the limited fossil material available. Generally, like other temnospondyls, Neotalus likely possessed a robust body, short limbs, and a laterally compressed tail, indicative of adaptations for swimming.

Classification:

Neotalus belongs to the Temnospondyli, an extinct order of diverse amphibians that thrived during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. The exact phylogenetic relationships of Neotalus within the Temnospondyli are still under investigation and subject to ongoing research.

Paleoecology:

Neotalus inhabited the environments of what is now South Africa during the Late Permian. This ecosystem was characterized by a warm, seasonal climate and included a variety of terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates. Neotalus likely occupied a niche as a predator within the aquatic food web, preying on smaller fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Discovery and Naming:

The fossil remains of Neotalus were discovered in South Africa. The name Neotalus reflects its evolutionary position within the temnospondyl lineage. "Neo-" signifies "new" or "recent," and "talus" refers to the ankle bone, referencing certain features observed in the fossil material.