In Depth Biarmosuchus is noted as being a primitive theraspid, the group of mammal like reptiles that evolved from the pelycosaurs, and whose descendents would go onto becoming the first mammals. As a predator, Biarmosuchus was likely a fast hunter capable of running down its prey. This is evidenced by its long slender limbs that … Read more
In Depth Ruhuhucerberus is a genus of gorgonopsid that lived in Tanzania during the Permian. The Ruhuhucerberus type species was originally named as a species of Aelurognathus called A. aughtoni, but was split and elevated to genus level by Maisch in 2002. A second species of Ruhuhucerberus, R. terror, is now considered to be synonymous … Read more
In Depth Dadadon is a massetognathine cynodont that lived in Madagascar during the Triassic. Further Reading - New traversodontids (Synapsida, Eucynodontia) from the Triassic of Madagascar. - Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology 20(3):422-427. - J. J. Flynn, J. M. Parrish, B. Rakotosamimanana, L. Ranivoharimanana, W. F. Simpson & A. R. Wyss - 2000. – New material … Read more
In Depth Not much is known about Oedaleops other than it was similar to Eothyris, another synapsid that is only known from its skull. Oedaleops has slightly larger canine teeth that are thought to have been of use in capturing small prey like insects. Further Reading – Oedaleops campi (Reptilia: Pelycosauria) New Genus and Species … Read more
In Depth Alierasaurus is a genus of caseid synapsid that lived in Sardinia during the Permian. Because Alierasaurus is only known from partial remains it is difficult to be certain about its full body size. However, these remains seem to be close to comparable in size to the huge Cotylorhynchus, one of the largest land … Read more
In Depth Kombuisia is a genus of dicynodont that lived during the Triassic. The first fossil remains of Kombuisia were found in South Africa, but a second species, K. antarctica, has now been discovered on the continent of Antarctica. Further Reading - A new dicynodont (Reptilia, Therapsida) from Cynognathus Zone deposits of South Africa. - … Read more
In Depth Moschorhinus is an interesting genus of therocephalian therapsid as the genus developed cranial features that were very similar to gorgonopsid therapsids, even though it was not a direct relative of them. Like the gorgonopsids, Moschorhinus was a key predator of the time, hunting medium to large herbivorous animals. The main killing weapons used … Read more
In Depth Scymnosaurus is a genus of scylacosaurid therapsid. Further Reading Further reading- On Some New Primitive Theriodonts in the South African Museum. – Annals of the South African Museum 4(2):147-158. – R. Broom – 1903.
In Depth Initially thought to be a diapsid, Apsisaurus was later realised to a Eupelycosaurian varnopisd. As a Varanopid, Apsisaurus was related to the more famous Varanops which also lived in Texas at the same approximate time as Apsisaurus. Further Reading - The osteology of a Lower Permian eosuchian from Texas and a review of … Read more
In Depth Megawhaitsia is a genus of therocephalian therapsid that lived in Russia during the Permian. At the time of its description, Megawhaitsia is only known from a single portion of maxilla, the tooth bearing bone of the upper jaw. However, reconstructions of the skull of Megawhaitsia based upon scaling to the maxilla have revealed … Read more