In Depth Ennatosaurus is a genus of caseid pelycosaur that in Russia during the later stages of the Permian. These kinds of pelycosaurs are noted for their herbivorous diets and powerful fore limbs which may have been used for digging up plants. The most interesting thing about Ennatosaurus is that when the first remains were … Read more
In Depth Although it did not have the large sail supporting spines that other pelycosaurs like Dimetrodon, Secodontosaurus, Ctenospondylus and Edaphosaurus had, Sphenacodon still possessed enlarged neural spines rising from its vertebrae. These are considered to have been the supports for powerful dorsal muscles that would allow Sphenacodon to undertake powerful strikes towards is prey, … Read more
Cotylorhynchus: Research Database Synapsida (Caseidae) · Early Permian (~280 MYA) · North America Research Note: Cotylorhynchus was a caseid synapsid from the Early Permian of North America — one of the largest known terrestrial animals of its time, significant for understanding early synapsid evolution and the ecological diversity of Permian ecosystems. Research Finding … Read more
In Depth Eothyris is currently only known from a skull, but from this a little can be inferred about the lifestyle of this genus. The mouth was filled with sharp and pointed teeth, with a pair of enlarged fangs that were near the front of the upper jaw. These were likely used to snare and … Read more
In Depth Nitosaurus is a genus of pelycosaur that lived in North America during the late Carboniferous. Further Reading - New genera and species of pelycosaurian reptiles. - Proceedings of the New England Zo�logical Club 16:89-95. - A. S. Romer - 1937.
Ianthasaurus: Research Database Theropoda · Cretaceous · Unknown Research Note: Ianthasaurus was a theropoda from the Cretaceous of Unknown, providing important data on prehistoric life and ecosystem dynamics. Research Finding Status Grade Year Method Citation Impact Reisz Berman 1986: Ianthasaurus and related taxa Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences Confirmed B 1986 Fossil Reisz … Read more
In Depth Oromycter is a genus of caseid pelycosaur that lived in Oklahoma during the Permian. As a caseid, Oromycter would have been related to genera such as Casea and Cotylorhynchus. Further Reading - Oromycter, a New Caseid from the Lower Permian of Oklahoma. - Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 25(4):905-910. - R. R. Reisz - … Read more
In Depth Macromerion is a genus of sphenacodont pelycosaur that lived in Europe during the Carboniferous. Further Reading - Lower Permian pelycosaurs from the English midlands. - Paleontology 17 (3): 541-552. - R. L. Paton - 1974.
In Depth As a late surviving member of the group, Varanops is often cited as one of the last of the pelycosaurs. With its relatively long legs, Varanops may have been more suited to open ground, as opposed to dense undergrowth where they may have been of a hindrance. They may have also provided for … Read more
Ophiacodon: Research Database Synapsida · Late Carboniferous-Early Permian (~305-280 MYA) · North America — USA (Texas, New Mexico, Colorado) Research Note: Ophiacodon was a large synapsid from the Late Carboniferous and Early Permian of North America — one of the earliest known amniotes and a key taxon for understanding the early evolution of synapsids, … Read more