BEIYANERPETON JIANPINGENSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Beiyanerpeton jianpingensis is a fossil amphibian species that lived during the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 million years ago. It belongs to the family Branchiosauridae and is classified under the order Nectridea. Beiyanerpeton jianpingensis is characterized by its small body size, estimated to be around 10 centimeters in length.
This species is primarily known from well-preserved skeletal remains, including the skull and postcranial elements. The fossils were discovered in the Yixian Formation of Jianping County, Liaoning Province, China. The Yixian Formation is renowned for its exceptional fossil record of primitive amphibians, dinosaurs, and early birds.
Beiyanerpeton jianpingensis exhibits several distinctive anatomical features. It possesses a slender body with relatively elongated limbs, suggesting it was well adapted for an aquatic lifestyle. The skull is elongated and narrow, containing numerous sharp teeth, indicating it likely had a specialized diet, possibly feeding on small invertebrates.
The discovery of Beiyanerpeton jianpingensis has contributed to our understanding of the diversity and evolutionary history of early amphibians. Its fossil remains have provided valuable insights into the morphological adaptations and ecological roles of primitive branchiosaurids during the Early Cretaceous period. Further research on this species could shed light on the ecological dynamics and evolutionary patterns of ancient aquatic ecosystems.
Etymology of BEIYANERPETON JIANPINGENSIS
The word "Beiyanerpeton jianpingensis" is derived from the combination of several elements:
1. Beiyanerpeton: The first part "Beiyaner-" is derived from the Chinese word "北燕" (Běiyān), which refers to the Beipiao city in Liaoning Province, China, where the fossil of this species was discovered. The second part "-peton" is derived from the Greek word "πετον" (peton), which means "a small animal" and is commonly used in the scientific names of fossil amphibians.
2. Jianpingensis: The species name "jianpingensis" is derived from "Jianping", which refers to the Jianping County in Liaoning Province, China, where the fossil was specifically found. The suffix "-ensis" is a Latin term commonly used to denote the place of origin or discovery.
