land crptids


 DIPLOCAULUS

 '''Diplocaulus''' ("double caul") is an extinct genus of leponspondyl amphibian from the Permian period. It was up to 1 m (3 ft 4 in) long.
''Diplocaulus'' is known for the long protrusions on the sides of its skull, which cause the skull to be shaped similar to a boomerang. Judging from its weak limbs and relatively short tail, it is presumed to have swum with an up-and-down movement of its body, not unlike cetaceans today. The wide head could have helped the creature glide through the water. Also, it is thought to have had defensive purposes as any predator (even the large-headed ''Eryops'') would have a hard time trying to swallow a creature with such a wide head. A close cousin of ''Diplocaulus'' is ''Diploceraspis''.

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