PROSALIRUS BITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Prosalirus bitis is an extinct species of amphibian that lived during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 195 to 190 million years ago. It is recognized as the oldest known fossil of a true frog and belongs to the family of frogs known as the "Ranidae," which includes most of the modern frogs we encounter today.
The name Prosalirus bitis is derived from Latin and Greek words. "Pro" indicates its antiquity, "salirus" means "leaping" or "jumping," and "bitis" refers to a dangerous snake. This name signifies its ancient amphibian nature and its presumed capability to jump like a frog, representing an important evolutionary transition leading to modern frogs.
The morphology of Prosalirus bitis offers various insights into the early frog evolution. It exhibits characteristics of both ancient amphibians, like triadactyl limbs (having three toes), as well as distinct features of modern frogs such as a long and arched ilium, hinting at enhanced jumping ability. Its high vertebral intercentrum and robust sacral vertebrae indicate a stronger backbone, which might have facilitated leaping locomotion.
Overall, Prosalirus bitis represents an important transitional form in the evolutionary history of frogs. Through its fossil remains, scientists have gained valuable knowledge about the development of jumping capabilities, limb adaptations, and other anatomical changes that eventually led to the diverse range of frogs we see today.
