General Description

Howidipterus is distinct from other lungfishes with crushing tooth plates and D bones by possessing unusual tooth plate morphology, a lack of cosmine (a covering of dentine and enamel) from the body and scales, and unique skull bone proportions.

Biology

Howidipterus donnae is thought to have eaten lycophytous and psilophytous plants by grinding them with crushing tooth plates. The presence of cranial ribs in the Mt. Howitt dipnoans is indicative of air gulping, a possibly advantageous adaptation during times of poor water quality.

Distribution

Shale outcrop from the base of Mt. Howitt, Victoria.

Habitat

High latitude, freshwater lake system. Warm to temperate climate.

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