Fissipeds

Fissipeds are a group of extinct tetrapods that lived during the Late Permian and Early Triassic periods, approximately 270 to 245 million years ago. They are characterized by their unique, elongated limbs that were adapted for a semi-aquatic lifestyle. The term "fissiped" comes from the Latin words "fissus," meaning split, and "pes," meaning foot, referring to the distinctive, webbed feet of these animals.

Fissipeds are believed to have been semi-aquatic, with their elongated limbs and webbed feet suggesting a habitat in or near bodies of water. They are thought to have been small to medium-sized animals, with some species reaching lengths of up to 2 meters. Their diet is believed to have consisted of small aquatic organisms, such as insects and fish.

Fissipeds are known from fossil remains found in Europe, North America, and South Africa. They are classified within the order Fissipedia, which is further divided into several families, including the Eryopsidae and the Seymouriamorpha. The most well-known fissiped is Eryops, a large, semi-aquatic animal that lived during the Late Permian period.

The extinction of fissipeds is thought to have been caused by the Permian-Triassic extinction event, a catastrophic event that wiped out approximately 96% of all marine and terrestrial species. Despite their eventual extinction, fissipeds played an important role in the evolution of tetrapods, paving the way for the eventual emergence of dinosaurs and mammals.