Fossil Fest 2003 Grand Door Prize

Early Amphibian - Seymouria baylorensis (reproduction)
Age: Lower Permian (280 MYA)
Location: Baylor County, TX, USA

Seymouria is considered by many scientists to be an intermediate stage between true labyrinthodont amphibians and reptiles. The teeth and skull appear amphibian like, but the joint between its head and neck, and the structure of its hip and shoulder girdles, are among several reptile-like features. In fact, Seymouria was originally thought to be an early reptile, until fossilized juveniles were found whose skulls showed lateral line canals used to detect water-borne vibrations. However adults evidently were adapted for land and may have spent considerable time out of water. Seymouria was probably an omnivore that ate insects, small vertebrates, and carrion.