Dimetrodon Limbatus is a carnivorous, primitive Synapsida (classification for mammals) that lived in North America during the Permian period as late as 286 million years ago. Dimetrodon weighed up to 550 pounds and had an average length of 11.5 feet.
Dimetrodon had a large sail on its back that was probably formed by elongated vegetable spines. It is believed the sail helped in temperature regulation. Dimetrodon’s skull was high and narrow, and featured a long region in front of its eyes. It also featured many teeth in varying sizes.
A sail similar to Dimetrodon was found on its relative Edaphosaurus. Which is a herbivorous creature with a smaller head than Dimetrodon. Unlike Dimetrodon and Edaphosaurus, the rest of the Pelycosaurs (the taxonomic group Dimetrodon belonged to) didn’t have sails. Which begs the question why did the Dimetrodon have a sail if not for Thermoregulation.
Alexander Pierson • Mar 4, 2024 at 11:47 am
What a charming dapper animal