What does the term "Labyrinthodont" mean?
Q: What does the term "Labyrinthodont" mean?
A: The term "Labyrinthodont" is a combination of two words, "labyrinth" meaning maze and "dont" meaning tooth. It was used to describe fossil amphibia.
Q: Are Labyrinthodonts still considered a formal taxonomic term?
A: No, Labyrinthodonts are no longer considered a formal taxonomic term and have been replaced by more accurate terms in classification.
Q: When did Labyrinthodonts exist?
A: Labyrinthodonts existed from the Devonian period to the Lower Triassic period, about 390 to 210 million years ago.
Q: What makes Labyrinthodonts unique?
A: Labyrinthodonts are unique due to their pattern of infolding of dentine and enamel of teeth which often fossilise, heavily armoured skull roof, and complex vertebrae.
Q: Is the group Labyrinthodontia monophyletic?
A: No, the group Labyrinthodonia is not monophyletic and has been replaced in classification by more correct terms.
Q: How are Labyrithondons classified today?
A: Today, Labyrithondons are classified as an evolutionary grade or polyphyletic/paraphyletic group of species which look rather similar.
