Amphibamus grandiceps

Overview

Amphibamus grandiceps is a Carboniferous amphibian with a broad, less pointed triangular head. Large eye sockets and a relatively short trunk and tail are also described. The relationship between the head and the front and rear limbs can be examined together.^[1]

Key facts

In two specimens in the historical literature, the hind limbs were each reported as longer than the forelimbs. Values can be considered separately for each specimen while comparing the shared front–rear relationship. Even a small animal reveals differences among its body regions.^[1]

Time and place

It was studied in literature on amphibians of the Carboniferous Coal Measures. The Carboniferous was roughly 360–300 million years ago. Descriptions of several collection specimens convey its body features.^[1][2]

The time range describes source context, not the complete duration of this species.

Size, form and skeleton

The species account explains a broad triangular head, large bony eye sockets, and connections among a short trunk and tail and four limbs. Two specimens each reveal the relative lengths of forelimbs and hind limbs. The broad head outline can be compared with the construction of small limbs.^[1]

Habitat and reproduction

Different lengths of forelimbs and hind limbs change the body’s impression. The literature recorded the arms and legs of each specimen separately. Dividing the whole outline into regions for measurement is one way to explore body construction.^[1]

Fossil discovery

The historical description records that the original type specimen was destroyed. Later research distinguished a specimen in the Daniels collection from a Yale specimen when recording form. Other fossils and descriptions continued the research after material was lost.^[1]

References

1. The Coal Measures Amphibia of North America
2. International Commission on Stratigraphy (2024) — Geological time chart
3. Schoch·Witzmann (2009) — The skeleton of Sclerocephalus

Research questions

How can specimens be compared when their preserved regions and sizes differ? The head, trunk, tail, and limbs are divided into corresponding regions. Reading each specimen’s information side by side without mixing it helps reveal similarities and differences.^[1]

Observation

Move your gaze from the broad head to the short trunk and tail. Comparing the forelimbs separately with the longer hind limbs reveals several constructions within a small body.^[1]