Joan Echols
A New Genus of Pennsylvanian Fish (Crossopterygii, Coelacanthiformes) from Kansas
"A New Genus of Pennsylvanian Fish (Crossopterygii, Coelacanthiformes) from Kansas" by Joan Echols is a scientific publication written in the early 1960s. This work focuses on the classification and description of a newly identified genus of coelacanth fish from the Pennsylvanian period, providing valuable insights into the evolution of these ancient creatures based on fossil evidence collected in Kansas. The book details the discovery and analysis of the genus named "Synaptotylus", distinguishing it from related genera through its unique anatomical features, particularly the structure of the basisphenoid bone. Echols meticulously describes various specimens, their morphology, and the geological context from which they were excavated. The study emphasizes the evolutionary significance of "Synaptotylus", comparing its attributes to other known coelacanths such as "Rhabdoderma" and "Coelacanthus", and discusses the implications of its anatomical variations for understanding coelacanth evolution during the Carboniferous period. The work contributes to the broader scientific understanding of prehistoric marine environments and the ecological niches these ancient fishes may have occupied.