Microsaurians

Microsaurians are an extinct group of early tetrapods, meaning they were among the first four-limbed vertebrates to venture onto land. They flourished during the Carboniferous period, a time characterized by vast swamp forests. Microsaurians are a diverse assemblage, and their exact evolutionary relationships are still debated among paleontologists. They are typically small, often no more than a meter in length, and many possessed slender bodies with short limbs. Some microsaurians retained aquatic adaptations, such as external gills, while others were more terrestrial. Their diet likely varied, with some being insectivores and others possibly preying on smaller aquatic animals. Fossil evidence for microsaurians is found in various locations worldwide, particularly in North America and Europe. The group is characterized by a specific set of skeletal features, including a heavily ossified skull and a reduced number of vertebrae in some lineages. Despite their small size and ancient origins, microsaurians represent an important step in the transition of vertebrates from water to land, showcasing the early diversification of tetrapod life.