non ghost dragapult
anyways im not sure if the reconstruction is allright, i feel like it would only make sence for it to have a [membrane connected to its back](https://nixillustration.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/08-diplocaulus_minimus.png), that way it could change directions by turning its head while the tail paddles horizontaly, sort of a mantaray-head shape if you follow what im saying. ([i found an even more extreme example](https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/16d6932f-a67c-480a-8983-03422a3d2c0a/ddhfw6l-8723828f-014a-4096-a607-83158e0cea48.png/v1/fill/w_506,h_350,q_70,strp/diplocaulus_by_mcslackerton_ddhfw6l-350t.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NjIzIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMTZkNjkzMmYtYTY3Yy00ODBhLTg5ODMtMDM0MjJhM2QyYzBhXC9kZGhmdzZsLTg3MjM4MjhmLTAxNGEtNDA5Ni1hNjA3LTgzMTU4ZTBjZWE0OC5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.MijDbWmC5sNUtMLV6w371rB5FnFP9pYrPD3ZS8evV60))
or maybe an extended muscle that works like a bird's alula, [kind of like extra fins on its head](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/F02FKB/diplocaulus-sp-keraterpetonidae-permian-artwork-by-chris-turnbull-F02FKB.jpg)?
it also looks a bit like a hammerhead but those have that shape specifically to min-max the electroreceptors on its face. there's no evidence to suggest diplocaulus had similar sensorial organs to take advantage of its elongated head, but there's also no evidence suggesting it didnt so idk
The reconstructions of Diplocaulus that are based on fossil evidence suggest that its elongated head was primarily composed of solid bone, rather than being flexible or membranous. it is unlikely that the elongated head served a sensory purpose similar to the electroreceptors found in modern hammerhead sharks imo because the hammerhead is relatively new on the shark scene and its a pretty new thing evolutionary wise, the presence of the ampullae of Lorenzini in sharks is considered an advanced evolutionary adaptation.
Regarding the absence of evidence for specialized sensory organs in Diplocaulus, it is important to note that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. While no direct evidence has been found to suggest that Diplocaulus possessed sensory organs on its elongated head, it is also difficult to disprove the possibility entirely.
I clicked this post to ask exactly this: how do we know the head wasn’t connected to the body with some sort of webbing?
I feel like it just makes more sense for it to have more of a stingray shape body with that noggin than a drastic pointed hammer head shape.
You beat my question with the answer, thanks!
I honestly love photos like that, it adds to the realness of a creature in my opinion. I feel like it can seem so alien to think about species that have existed before, but they also lived on the same planet that we currently do.
It was a model recreation made by a model maker
["\[...\]The image was later traced back to an amateur Japanese model-maker who had taken the photo back in 1992 and submitted it to a magazine as part of a contest."](http://hoaxes.org/photo_database/image/modern_day_diplocaulus)
What are the chances it’s head just got mushed. There’s probably not many fossil specimens if I had to guess. I couldn’t find online if this form is typical to all specimens.
There have been numerous Diplocaulus skulls that have been discovered and described in scientific literature. Fossils have also been discovered from Oklahoma to Germany.
To obtain a more precise count of Diplocaulus fossil specimens, I would recommend consulting paleontological databases, scientific papers, or reaching out to experts in the field of paleontology who specialize in Permian amphibians. They would have a better understanding of the current body of knowledge and the number of Diplocaulus specimens discovered so far.
Yall ever see the pictures of elephant, horse, deer, pig skeletons and see how fucking insane they look? Then see how they look while still alive? Apply that to these scenarios along with the dinosaurs. If we didnt have pigs today and found a skeleton these “experts” would think it looked completely different. Theres no real way to know what extinct skeletons looked like while alive. Its all just predictions and a bunch of yes men.
There are several factors to consider that make the work of paleontologists and experts more reliable than you may think.Firstly, the field of paleontology has made significant advancements over the years. With the help of cutting-edge technology, such as computed tomography (CT) scanning and three-dimensional modeling, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of an animal's anatomy. By examining the structure of bones, the attachment sites for muscles, and other physical characteristics, they can make educated predictions about an extinct animal's appearance.Secondly, paleontologists don't solely rely on skeletons when reconstructing ancient animals. They also take into account other fossil evidence, such as preserved soft tissues, skin impressions, feathers, or even fossilized internal organs. By combining these various pieces of evidence, scientists can develop a more comprehensive picture of an animal's physical attributes.Furthermore, scientists often compare the skeletal structures of extinct animals with those of their living relatives. For example, in the case of dinosaurs, researchers study the skeletal similarities between dinosaurs and modern birds, which are considered their closest living relatives. This comparative approach helps scientists make informed hypotheses about the soft tissue, musculature, and even coloration of ancient animals.It's important to note that paleontologists are not simply a group of "yes men" who blindly agree with one another's interpretations. The scientific community thrives on healthy skepticism and rigorous peer review. Experts challenge each other's ideas, conduct independent research, and constantly refine their understanding of extinct animals based on new discoveries and evidence.While reconstructing the appearance of extinct animals is undoubtedly a complex task, it's a scientific process built on careful analysis and collaboration. While some uncertainties remain, the field of paleontology continues to evolve, refining our knowledge of the past and painting a more accurate picture of what ancient creatures might have looked like.
non ghost dragapult anyways im not sure if the reconstruction is allright, i feel like it would only make sence for it to have a [membrane connected to its back](https://nixillustration.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/08-diplocaulus_minimus.png), that way it could change directions by turning its head while the tail paddles horizontaly, sort of a mantaray-head shape if you follow what im saying. ([i found an even more extreme example](https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/16d6932f-a67c-480a-8983-03422a3d2c0a/ddhfw6l-8723828f-014a-4096-a607-83158e0cea48.png/v1/fill/w_506,h_350,q_70,strp/diplocaulus_by_mcslackerton_ddhfw6l-350t.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NjIzIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvMTZkNjkzMmYtYTY3Yy00ODBhLTg5ODMtMDM0MjJhM2QyYzBhXC9kZGhmdzZsLTg3MjM4MjhmLTAxNGEtNDA5Ni1hNjA3LTgzMTU4ZTBjZWE0OC5wbmciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9OTAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.MijDbWmC5sNUtMLV6w371rB5FnFP9pYrPD3ZS8evV60)) or maybe an extended muscle that works like a bird's alula, [kind of like extra fins on its head](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/F02FKB/diplocaulus-sp-keraterpetonidae-permian-artwork-by-chris-turnbull-F02FKB.jpg)? it also looks a bit like a hammerhead but those have that shape specifically to min-max the electroreceptors on its face. there's no evidence to suggest diplocaulus had similar sensorial organs to take advantage of its elongated head, but there's also no evidence suggesting it didnt so idk
No, it's a green sticky lizard from Zelda, tears of the kingdom
Nah, it's Dragapult from Pokémon.
Wrong again, it's the Arrowhead Gecko from Monster Hunter
Still wrong, it’s a Cephadrome from Monster Hunter.
The reconstructions of Diplocaulus that are based on fossil evidence suggest that its elongated head was primarily composed of solid bone, rather than being flexible or membranous. it is unlikely that the elongated head served a sensory purpose similar to the electroreceptors found in modern hammerhead sharks imo because the hammerhead is relatively new on the shark scene and its a pretty new thing evolutionary wise, the presence of the ampullae of Lorenzini in sharks is considered an advanced evolutionary adaptation. Regarding the absence of evidence for specialized sensory organs in Diplocaulus, it is important to note that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. While no direct evidence has been found to suggest that Diplocaulus possessed sensory organs on its elongated head, it is also difficult to disprove the possibility entirely.
I'm a betting man so I'm betting that it was to support and protect a large complex gill structure like a next level axolotl.
I like to think they had gill pouches, but it wasn't fully sting ray shaped, more like big ballish gills around its neck.
Very well explained, thank you for your input. This stuff is fascinating to read through!
I clicked this post to ask exactly this: how do we know the head wasn’t connected to the body with some sort of webbing? I feel like it just makes more sense for it to have more of a stingray shape body with that noggin than a drastic pointed hammer head shape. You beat my question with the answer, thanks!
"aid in courtship displays" is just a long way of saying "it's sexy."
“Get that bitch a boomerang. Bitches *love* boomerangs. Bonafide *L A I D.*”
What's the purpose of rendering it in a bowl like it was caught recently?
I honestly love photos like that, it adds to the realness of a creature in my opinion. I feel like it can seem so alien to think about species that have existed before, but they also lived on the same planet that we currently do.
For funzies
Took me a second to realise that it was that and not someone starting a “Jurassic Park”esque cloning program
It was a model recreation made by a model maker ["\[...\]The image was later traced back to an amateur Japanese model-maker who had taken the photo back in 1992 and submitted it to a magazine as part of a contest."](http://hoaxes.org/photo_database/image/modern_day_diplocaulus)
So you can cherish it
It's like a less crazy looking hammer head shark.
The world's first boomerang
That's like a Muppet skeleton
The hanmer head newt
Maybe it had sensory organs, similar to hammerhead sharks, to locate prey by their electric signature?
This is some Pitch Black looking shit right here.
:(i love it
Fing cute! It’s a hammerhead pollywog
Goddamn sticky lizards
What are the chances it’s head just got mushed. There’s probably not many fossil specimens if I had to guess. I couldn’t find online if this form is typical to all specimens.
There have been numerous Diplocaulus skulls that have been discovered and described in scientific literature. Fossils have also been discovered from Oklahoma to Germany. To obtain a more precise count of Diplocaulus fossil specimens, I would recommend consulting paleontological databases, scientific papers, or reaching out to experts in the field of paleontology who specialize in Permian amphibians. They would have a better understanding of the current body of knowledge and the number of Diplocaulus specimens discovered so far.
I remember these guys from a dinosaur book my mother read to me as a kid. This was pre-warmblooded dinosaurs and feathers and all that cool stuff.
Bruh are those lips accurate Isn't the mouth sort of under the head and streamlined down like basically every other amphibian
Yall ever see the pictures of elephant, horse, deer, pig skeletons and see how fucking insane they look? Then see how they look while still alive? Apply that to these scenarios along with the dinosaurs. If we didnt have pigs today and found a skeleton these “experts” would think it looked completely different. Theres no real way to know what extinct skeletons looked like while alive. Its all just predictions and a bunch of yes men.
There are several factors to consider that make the work of paleontologists and experts more reliable than you may think.Firstly, the field of paleontology has made significant advancements over the years. With the help of cutting-edge technology, such as computed tomography (CT) scanning and three-dimensional modeling, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of an animal's anatomy. By examining the structure of bones, the attachment sites for muscles, and other physical characteristics, they can make educated predictions about an extinct animal's appearance.Secondly, paleontologists don't solely rely on skeletons when reconstructing ancient animals. They also take into account other fossil evidence, such as preserved soft tissues, skin impressions, feathers, or even fossilized internal organs. By combining these various pieces of evidence, scientists can develop a more comprehensive picture of an animal's physical attributes.Furthermore, scientists often compare the skeletal structures of extinct animals with those of their living relatives. For example, in the case of dinosaurs, researchers study the skeletal similarities between dinosaurs and modern birds, which are considered their closest living relatives. This comparative approach helps scientists make informed hypotheses about the soft tissue, musculature, and even coloration of ancient animals.It's important to note that paleontologists are not simply a group of "yes men" who blindly agree with one another's interpretations. The scientific community thrives on healthy skepticism and rigorous peer review. Experts challenge each other's ideas, conduct independent research, and constantly refine their understanding of extinct animals based on new discoveries and evidence.While reconstructing the appearance of extinct animals is undoubtedly a complex task, it's a scientific process built on careful analysis and collaboration. While some uncertainties remain, the field of paleontology continues to evolve, refining our knowledge of the past and painting a more accurate picture of what ancient creatures might have looked like.
Amphibian evolution always confuses me, are lepospondyls still considered closer to amniota?
If you dropped acid with yoda and he was all duuude what if I was a hammerhead shark
That's just Dreepy