''Brithopus'' is an extinct genus of
dinocephalian
therapsids. It contains a single species, ''Brithopus priscus'', known from fragmentary remains found in the Copper
Sandstones near
Isheevo,
Russia.
Description
''Brithopus'' was fairly large, reaching a length of 2.5–3 m (8–10 ft).
The skull was similar to ''
Titanophoneus
''Titanophoneus'' ("titanic murderer") is an extinct genus of carnivorous dinocephalian therapsid from the Middle Permian. It is classified within the family Anteosauridae. The type species is ''Titanophoneus potens''. Remains of ''Titanophoneus'' ...
'', but more massive and heavily built.
[Olson, E.C. (1962). " Late Permian terrestrial vertebrates, U.S.A. and U.S.S.R." ''Transactions of the American Philosophical Society'', New Series, 52: 1–224.]
Classification
''B. priscus'' was first named in 1838 and was traditionally classified in the
Anteosauria, a group of carnivorous dinocephalians. ''Brithopus'' served as the basis for the family Brithopodidae, which once included many anteosaurian species. Because it is based on fragmentary material, ''Brithopus'' is regarded as a ''
nomen dubium
In binomial nomenclature, a ''nomen dubium'' (Latin for "doubtful name", plural ''nomina dubia'') is a scientific name that is of unknown or doubtful application.
Zoology
In case of a ''nomen dubium'' it may be impossible to determine whether a s ...
'' by some researchers. ''Brithopus'' was later considered a possible
estemmenosuchid,
[Kammerer, C. F. 2010. Systematics of the Anteosauria (Therapsida: Dinocephalia). ''Journal of Systematic Palaeontology'', 9, 261-304.] a type of herbivorous
tapinocephalian therapsid.
''
Dinosaurus'' and ''
Eurosaurus'' have both been considered synonyms of ''Brithopus''.
[Battail, B., and Surkov, M. V. (2000). "Mammal-like reptiles from Russia." ''The Age of Dinosaurs in Russia and Mongolia'', 86-119.]
See also
*
List of therapsids
References
External links
Message to the Dinosaur Mailing List briefly detailing the history of the name
Tapinocephalians
Prehistoric therapsid genera
Monotypic prehistoric animal genera
Fossils of Russia
Fossil taxa described in 1838
{{Paleo-Therapsid-stub